Indian American Sonia Fernandes Named Politico’s First Diversity and Global Chief Human Resources Officer
- Described as “a collaborative force in driving diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives,” she has designed and implemented 75 grassroots programs across 15 countries.
Politico has named Indian American Sonia Fernandes as its first Diversity Officer as well as the global Chief Human Resources officer, effective Feb. 8, the politics-focused digital newspaper company announced yesterday (Jan. 31). In this new role, she “will be responsible for leading, integrating, and harmonizing Politico’s talent functions across continents,” the publication said. Additionally, she will “drive positive change that will impact and elevate the well-being, professional growth, and experience of every Politico across seven newsrooms, two continents, and seven time zones.” Her “dual role as chief diversity officer reflects Politico’s commitment to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and empowering workplace in line with its ambition for additional global growth,” the publication added.
Fernandes was most recently the Chief People Officer for the MediaCom Asia Pacific division of WPP, a global advertising agency, and was responsible for the well-being of 2500 employees across 15 countries. Her extensive career spans global entities such as KPMG, Bain & Co., the BBC, and MediaCom, where she spearheaded progressive HR strategies with a focus on design and execution. Having lived and worked in New Zealand, the United Kingdom, Australia, Singapore, and India, she has expertise in integrating cross-border HR strategies and operating models to align with commercial objectives.
She is a collaborative force in driving diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, “having designed and implemented 75 grassroots programs across 15 countries,” Politico said. Additionally, she has played a key role in leading M&As from due diligence to integration, implementing strategic talent-mapping programs, and overseeing large-scale recruitment projects.
She holds a B.A. in Psychology & Sociology from The University of Mumbai and a master’s in management & Employment Relations from The University of Auckland, New Zealand.