Aerospace and defense company Raytheon Technologies announced today that it has hired Marie Sylla-Dixon as Chief Diversity Officer (CDO). In her new role, Sylla-Dixon will be responsible for leading Raytheon’s diversity, equity and inclusion (DE&I) strategy, integrating initiatives across talent management, community engagement, public policy and supplier diversity, and for shaping externally how the company shows up in its communities.

In addition to the new hire, Raytheon announced a series of other DE&I initiatives, including a $25 million, five-year community engagement and philanthropic commitment to support marginalized individuals and communities through programs focused on racial justice, empowerment and career readiness. The company also stated that it is supporting the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation with the establishment of its first-ever Defense and Aerospace Policy Fellowships, and has expanded its support for the Faith & Politics Institute and the Equal Justice Initiative to address understanding and discourse around issues of race. 

Gregory Hayes, Chief Executive Officer at Raytheon Technologies said:

“Prioritizing diversity, equity and inclusion in all that we do will make us a better company, a better employer and a better contributor to the communities we touch. Marie has a strong track record of aligning diversity and inclusion with business strategy to drive results, and in creating tangible community and societal impact. We welcome Marie to Raytheon Technologies and look forward to her leadership.”

Prior to joining Raytheon, Sylla-Dixon worked for over ten years at telecommunications company T-Mobile, serving most recently as Vice-President of Federal Government and External Affairs. At T-Mobile she led DE&I efforts and community outreach through the company’s recent merger with Sprint, spearheading the operational management of the company’s diversity and inclusion commitments including a community investment focused on workforce development, digital literacy and adoption, and programming for underserved and underrepresented communities.

Sylla-Dixon said:

“When diverse minds come together to advance innovation and business growth they propel the economic progress of communities around the world. I am excited to join Raytheon Technologies to drive the organization’s diversity, equity and inclusion strategy that will bring employees, partners and communities together to achieve enduring progress.”