Back in August, an in-depth investigation by Kotaku revealed that LOL studio Riot Games was home to a highly toxic workplace culture. The report has led to Riot taking several steps to repair its image and improve internal working conditions. To that affect, Riot has announced that Angela Roseboro will be joining them as their first Chief Diversity Officer.
Roseboro will be responsible for introducing new programs to incite a more inclusive culture at the studio, while leading the recruitment team to improve hiring practices and talent sourcing.
“We’ve been searching for the right person to help us become a positive force for D&I in our industry and beyond, and I’m thrilled to welcome Angela to the team,” said Riot Chief People Officer Emily Winkle, in a press statement on the company’s website. “She brings with her experience and expertise that will allow us to truly blossom in our D&I efforts so we can recruit and retain the Rioters we need to make amazing things for players around the world.”
With more than 20 years experience under her belt, Roseboro previously served as the Global Head of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at Dropbox. “I can’t wait to get started and to do my part to make sure we have a culture that embraces the uniqueness of every Rioter and a community where everyone feels a sense of belonging,” she said.
Riot has been expanding their diversity team and continues to hire consultants to improve its workplace. The Kotaku investigation painted a picture of a sexist and dysfunctional environment filled with inappropriate behaviour. Riot responded with a blog post outlining their position and what steps would be taken, including increased staff training and channels such as an anonymous hotline for for its staff. Roseboro’s appointment also comes at the same time as COO Scott Gelb returns to work after a two-month leave without pay. Gelb was suspended following accusations that he had engaged in sexual harassment, doing so under the assertion that it was humourous behaviour.
Last Updated: March 4, 2019
Admiral Chief
March 4, 2019 at 14:55
Chief Diversity Officer……..
Today, on jobs that didn’t exist 10 years ago…
Guz
March 4, 2019 at 16:01
Not saying they didn’t need to sort out their shit but my first thought was what is a Chief Diversity Officer and what do they do??? Is it like PC Principle from south park.
Here’s an idea, don’t be bunch of sexist shit heads and you’ll be fine
The Banana Knight ♞
March 4, 2019 at 21:48
And probably won’t exist 10 years from now – because damn is that pendulum going to swing to the other side…. ?
Admiral Chief
March 4, 2019 at 15:03
Look, I get it, I really do. And I’m 110% all for people/companies to NOT act like a-holes.
But how sad is the world that a position like this needs to be created. Why can’t people just not be the way they are. HAAAAAAAAAAANS wo ist mein Flammenwerfer?
Also, forgive my ignorance of not knowing who this lady is, and if she has a long a successful career and made a real difference, I’m all for it. But please don’t tell me they put a lady poc in just for the PR sake. Because if that is the reason, then it is really bad form doing this
Guz
March 4, 2019 at 16:09
I just want to know what it is she actually does , like day to day stuff??
HvR
March 4, 2019 at 16:09
She diversifies
Guz
March 4, 2019 at 16:09
Lol but how, walking around the office being the PC officer, would really like to know
BradeLunner
March 4, 2019 at 16:32
She´ll probably use alot of her stuff from the previous job, understand the current stats, and then the stats of where they want to be (eg: 60% female, 40% POCs) and then she´ll spend time running workshops to teach people how to behave, and hopefully in a way that makes lasting change in the staffs´minds. Thing for me is that diversity should be more than just race or sex, I´m diverse at work(for example) because I am into metal, games and sci-fi, but on this site that doesn´t make me very diverse.
Guz
March 4, 2019 at 16:41
Thanks so basically a fancy HR manager, CH needs a CDO for the comments section so we can get more diverse opinions xD
HvR
March 5, 2019 at 07:31
Only thing worse than a HR executive; two HR executives
MaSeKind
March 4, 2019 at 15:03
These things are firstly just for show. If it actually helps thats an added bonus.
Also I’ve always wondered if you’ll not need to hire multiple Diversity Officers of multiple diversities to get the whole thing right. Otherwise aren’t you biased towards whatever ethnicity/race/culture the Diversity officer is? 🙂
Admiral Chief
March 5, 2019 at 08:23
Now THAT is a good idea
Rick
March 4, 2019 at 17:27
Or to summarize: “we will be discriminating against white people”
cloudzn
March 4, 2019 at 17:36
*straight white males