(CelebrityAccess MediaWire) —
Billy Dexter has been appointed MYV Networks first executive vice president and chief diversity officer (CDO). This new executive position creates a senior leader of the company's global initiatives to foster the highest levels of diversity throughout every aspect of its businesses. Dexter will report to Judy McGrath, chairman and CEO of MTV Networks, and will represent Diversity issues on her executive Strategy Team.
"The creation of a Chief Diversity Officer at MTV Networks is a crucial next step in building the most diverse culture and creative output in the industry," said McGrath. "We are completely committed to diversity and inclusion, because it's the most creative and vibrant thing we can do for our future. The audience for our content is increasingly global, diverse in thought, demographic and lifestyle. Over the years, no other initiative has so enriched MTV Networks, or made us more relevant and successful. I am thrilled that Billy, with his great expertise, will be leading our work in this area."
As CDO, Dexter will partner with MTV Networks' senior leadership to develop strategies that further diversity throughout the company and to identify new ways of enhancing existing initiatives. He will also work with MTV Networks' current diversity councils and teams to create more formal structures and processes for implementing key recommendations. Dexter will also continue to forge new partnerships with relevant outside organizations and represent the company's diversity efforts externally.
"MTV Networks has a long and proud tradition of fostering diversity throughout its businesses and culture, so I am very excited to help take the company's great work to the next level and move forward towards a true culture of inclusion where all voices are heard," said Dexter. "Working together, we have the opportunity to define what a strong diversity brand truly means, and I look forward to being part of this vital work for the company."
For over 15 years, Dexter has been a leader in diversity-related efforts. Prior to joining MTV Networks, he was chief diversity officer of Hudson Highland Group (HHG), a leading executive search and human resources consulting firm with more than 4,000 employees in 20 countries. He served concurrently as president of Hudson Inclusion Solutions, a global diversity consulting practice he founded within Hudson Highland to provide diversity consulting, training and recruitment solutions to leading corporations.
Earlier, Dexter was vice president for Diversity and Inclusion initiatives for Monster Worldwide, former parent company of HHG. In this position, he was responsible for developing offerings to help Monster's global client base with diversity recruitment solutions. Prior to Monster, Dexter worked for Deloitte & Touche as national director of International & Diversity Recruitment Solutions, where he provided strategic direction on diversity and international recruitment issues to the Auditing, Risk Management, Tax and Consulting divisions.
Prior to Deloitte & Touche, Dexter worked at Motorola as a staffing director, responsible for University Relations and Professional Employment for the company's largest business unit. He has also worked for United Airlines as a corporate manager of University and Community Relations as well as for Michigan State University as assistant director of Career Services. –Jane Cohen and Bob Grossweiner
