HarperCollins appoints Choonara in diversity and inclusion role

HarperCollins UK has appointed Maheen Choonara to the newly created role of diversity, inclusion and belonging manager.

Choonara joins today (11th January), reporting into the firm's director of people John Athanasiou. She will help drive HarperCollins' diversity, inclusion and belonging strategy, working closely with the people team, senior executives and c.e.o. Charlie Redmayne.

She was formerly diversity and inclusion (D&I) adviser at Cancer Research UK and has extensive experience in creating D&I training programmes, ethnic minority progression, inclusive internal and external communications, alongside supporting diverse targeted recruitment and employee networks.

Athanasiou said: “This is a critical role that will help carry us forward faster as we enact positive inclusive change. Maheen brings invaluable experience, and she will play a crucial part in helping make HCUK an even more diverse and inclusive workplace.”

Choonara added: “I’m thrilled to be joining HarperCollins and to build on its commitment to diversify the workforce and better represent its readership. Last year brought many inequalities into sharp focus. This role will give me the opportunity to amplify the voices of underrepresented communities and create systemic change. I’m excited to be able to work across the business and be part of an organisation proactively creating a more inclusive culture.”