In an attempt to further solidify its commitment to diversity in all of its activities, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has promoted Jeanell English to the position of Executive Vice President, Impact and Inclusion, the CEO of the Academy announced today. the Academy, Bill Kramer. English will report directly to Kramer.
In this newly created leadership position, English will lead Academy initiatives designed to combat underrepresentation in the industry and to discover, empower and advance the work of emerging and diverse film artists. In addition to its portfolio, English will also oversee the Academy’s various talent development programs, known as Academy Gold. These programs include the Gold Rising Internship and Mentorship Program, Gold Fellowship for Women, Student Academy Awards, Academy Nicholl Fellowships in Screenwriting, and the Gold Alumni Program.
English, who joined the Academy staff as Vice President, Impact and Operations in 2020, will continue to oversee the Academy’s sustainability, representation, inclusion and accessibility efforts as she did before. This includes the evolving implementation of Representation and Inclusion Standards, internal initiatives such as supplier diversity and employee resource groups, and ongoing carbon footprint assessments to inform business practices.
“Over the past two years, Jeanell has been an invaluable part of our growing Academy team,” noted Kramer. “His commitment to diversity, equity, accessibility and inclusion has driven progress across all departments of the Academy, as have his contributions to creating a more sustainable and accessible institution. The Academy is deeply dedicated to elevating emerging and underrepresented voices in the film industry, and in this new role, Jeanell will also bring her expertise and vision to this important work.
During her career, English has worked for more than a decade in the areas of global diversity and inclusion strategy, employee engagement, corporate social responsibility, cross-cultural training and talent management. Prior to joining AMPAS, she was a Principal at Discovery, Inc. (now Warner Bros. Discovery).
Kramer, who officially started July 1 in the CEO role previously held by Dawn Hudson, wasted no time in making key changes. Already his replacement as President and Director of the Academy Museum has been appointed with Jacqueline Stewart taking the post. Additionally, the Academy’s Chief Operating Officer, Christine Simmons (who, among other things, oversaw the Gold program) has found herself out of the organization with no new replacement to date, or even if that position will be filled. .
