Yahoo News Amazon MGM Studios Names Amanda Baker-Lane Global Head of DEIA as Latasha Gillespie Exits
Amazon MGM Studios announced that Latasha Gillespie is departing her role as Global Head of DEIA. She will be replaced by Amanda Baker-Lane who previously served as the studio’s head of DEIA product and strategy.
Jennifer Salke, head of Amazon Studios, announced the internal shift via memo to staff. Salke wrote that DEIA remains “crucial” to the work at Amazon MGM Studios.
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“It’s very rare that you get to jump into a new venture with the support of your current org while also elevating the people you have been growing and nurturing along the way,” said Gillespie. “I look forward to tapping into other places and spaces that I’m equally passionate about, including public speaking, podcasts, consulting and executive coaching.”
Gillespie will officially exit her role on Aug. 20, but will remain with Amazon in a consulting capacity.
“Since joining Amazon 9 1/2 years ago, I have learned from many amazing leaders making impactful advancements on inclusion, and I am energized about bringing my experiences to this new role,” said Baker-Lane. “Under Jennifer Salke’s direction, Amazon MGM Studios has become a true home for authentic storytelling and talent of all backgrounds, and I look forward to furthering that mission with my team.”
Baker-Lane also joined Amazon 9 ½ years ago, where she built programs like the HBCU conference “Beyond the Yard” that brought over 220 students from over 43 HBCUs together to connect them to professional networks, jobs, and hands on technical learning. She also developed and launched a pioneering Black Women executive conference.
(pictured: Latasha Gillespie, left, and Jennifer Baker-Lane)
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