DraftKings Welcomes Cristina Ackas As Vice President of Inclusion, Equity & Belonging

Rhea-AI Summary

DraftKings has appointed Cristina Ackas as Vice President of Inclusion, Equity & Belonging (IEB), effective immediately. Ackas, with over a decade of experience, will lead the IEB strategy and report to Chief People Officer Graham Walters. She joins from Octagon Sports & Entertainment, where she developed a comprehensive DE&I plan. DraftKings aims to enhance its inclusive culture, having invested $1 million annually in diversity initiatives. Ackas emphasizes the organizational commitment to empowering employees to bring their authentic selves to work. The move aligns with DraftKings’ ongoing mission to promote curiosity and diverse perspectives.

Positive

• Appointment of Cristina Ackas as VP of IEB may enhance DraftKings' diversity and inclusion efforts.
• The company invests $1 million annually to support diversity initiatives, demonstrating commitment to IEB.
• Ackas brings over a decade of expertise, which could strengthen strategic IEB programs.

Negative

• None.

NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / January 19, 2023 / DraftKings

After conducting a comprehensive national search, DraftKings has chosen Cristina Ackas to lead the company's ongoing commitment to Inclusion, Equity & Belonging (IEB) as vice president. Effective immediately, Cristina will oversee the advancement of DraftKings' IEB strategy to promote and integrate best practices. She will report directly to Graham Walters, Chief People Officer.

Cristina Ackas joins DraftKings by way of Octagon Sports & Entertainment Network where she created the first-ever unified, multi-year DE&I strategy across a global network of PR, entertainment, sports marketing and talent representation agencies. With over a decade of experience in the IEB space, Ackas has led critical efforts around IEB strategy design, program development, data analysis and employee resource groups.

DraftKings has cultivated an inclusive culture over the past 10 years with IEB woven into all facets of the company, and Ackas joins to advance these values even further. The company is adding leadership to continue to scale diversity initiatives across its global teams. For more background on DraftKings' IEB efforts: DraftKings ESG Reports.

Ackas will be based out of DraftKings' New York office.

"With established Business Resource Group support from the highest levels of the company and a commitment to spend $1 million annually to accelerate its DEI philosophy, the organizational dedication is apparent and provides a tremendous foundation to build upon in my new role. I am eager to serve as a strong and vocal champion for DraftKings' IEB efforts and admire the proactive approach the company has taken to empower people to bring their whole, authentic selves to work." - Cristina Ackas, Vice President of Inclusion, Equity & Belonging, DraftKings

"At DraftKings, we are propelled by constant curiosity, diverse perspectives, thoughts, beliefs, ideas, and experiences. These are invaluable assets that continue to help us build toward our mission and vision as we strive to create a place where all feel safe and empowered. Bringing Cristina onboard is a step to further our IEB efforts and elevate the importance of this work." - Graham Walters, Chief People Officer, DraftKings

View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from DraftKings on 3blmedia.com.

Contact Info:
Spokesperson: DraftKings
Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/draftkings
Email: info@3blmedia.com

SOURCE: DraftKings

View source version on accesswire.com:
https://www.accesswire.com/735921/DraftKings-Welcomes-Cristina-Ackas-As-Vice-President-of-Inclusion-Equity-Belonging

FAQ

What is the significance of Cristina Ackas's appointment at DraftKings?

Cristina Ackas's appointment as VP of IEB is significant as it aims to enhance diversity and inclusion efforts within DraftKings, reinforcing the company's commitment to a more inclusive workplace.

How much does DraftKings invest in diversity initiatives annually?

DraftKings invests $1 million annually to accelerate its diversity, equity, and inclusion philosophy.

What experience does Cristina Ackas bring to DraftKings?

Cristina Ackas brings over a decade of experience in inclusion, equity, and belonging, having previously developed DE&I strategies at Octagon Sports & Entertainment.

Who will Cristina Ackas report to at DraftKings?

Cristina Ackas will report directly to Graham Walters, the Chief People Officer at DraftKings.