Salesforce dismisses key diversity exec to cut costs
CALIFORNIA, UNITED STATES — Software giant Salesforce has reportedly ended the employment of Jacalyn Chapman, a respected executive in diversity, equity, and inclusion.
According to some employees, her departure in May was attributed to her role being phased out after her 12-year tenure in the firm.
Chapman, who was well-respected among her peers and had direct communication with CEO Marc Benioff and Chief People Officer Brent Hyder, received an outpouring of gratitude from dozens of employees via an online card following her departure.
Chapman’s termination comes as Salesforce intensifies its cost-cutting measures. Chief Business Officer Ebony Beckwith, the sole Black executive on the leadership team, also exited the company the same month.
Simultaneously, Salesforce is dealing with a discrimination lawsuit from another Black employee in their diversity unit, who alleges she was unjustly overlooked for a promotion.
Historically seen as a social justice champion in tech, Salesforce has been under investor pressure to prioritize profits. This has led to a plan to eliminate 10% of its global workforce and a partnership with Bain & Company for restructuring.
These profit-focused moves prompted concerns among some employees about a significant cultural shift within the company.
