15209: RAPP GCDEI&CO BS & WTF.

AdForum reported RAPP named Devin O’Loughlin to Global Chief Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Communications Officer. Of course they did. Hey, it’s a wonder they didn’t do it years ago, when the place was facing accusations of discriminatory and deviant behavior. Although the move appears to be another example of promoting an existing employee and delegating diversity duties to their core job function. It’s only a matter of time before the industry sees the first Planetary Chief Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Mailroom Officer.

 

RAPP Elevates Devin O’Loughlin to Global Chief Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Communications Officer

 

Newly Created Role Underscores Agency’s Commitment to Making Fundamental Changes to Its Business

 

RAPP Worldwide, a global creative agency that builds direct, meaningful and high-value relationships between brands and people, announced today the promotion of Devin O’Loughlin to Global Chief Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Communications Officer, a newly created position at the agency. In this new role, O’Loughlin will head RAPP’s commitment to open dialogue, diversity and inclusion on a global scale, while continuing to lead the agency’s communications and support its marketing efforts.

 

Now serving on the Global Leadership Team, O’Loughlin will report directly to Marco Scognamiglio, RAPP’s Global CEO. She will also work closely with RAPP’s Global Chief People Officer, Leigh Ober, and the Human Resources teams across all offices.

 

“We’re working on fundamental, systemic change and that takes time. There is no one solution and no immediate fix to the issues we’re facing,” said Scognamiglio. “Having Devin at the forefront as our diversity ambassador and ally is a big step forward for RAPP that signals we are living our mission to harness the strength of our people and our resources to unleash our creativity and innovation, at a time when our business and industry need it most.”

 

Previously serving as Vice President, Global Communications, O’Loughlin has long been involved with the agency’s diversity and inclusion efforts. From her work as co-founder of OPEN Pride and as a member of the Omnicom OPEN Board to being an integral advisor and participant in all things diversity and inclusion for RAPP on a worldwide basis, this appointment is a natural next step in O’Loughlin’s tenure with the agency which spans the last decade.

 

“It goes without saying that our country and world are at a tipping point, and it’s more important than ever for brands, agencies and all other culture-makers to step up, take a stand, and work relentlessly to elevate diversity, equity and inclusion — as not only a business imperative, but as a human priority,” O’Loughlin said. “I’m excited to draw upon my past DE&I and Comms experience to help chart a path forward for RAPP and to build best practices and standards that benefit those whose experience in this industry has been far from equitable for far too long.”

 

RAPP recently announced several new DE&I initiatives across its offices, actively making changes to recruiting practices, hiring, onboarding, performance management, and more — all of which O’Loughlin will now oversee and continue to build upon.