American image sharing and social media service Pinterest on Monday appointed its first black board member Andrea Wishom. She is the president at Skywalker Holdings and a former executive at Harpo Productions.
Wishom’s appointment comes as Pinterest faces allegations of racial and gender discrimination.
Apart from being the lifestyle-focused social network’s first Black board member, she is also the third female board member.
According to CNET News, Pinterest employees last week planned a virtual walkout following an accusation of gender discrimination and retaliation brought by former COO Francoise Brougher.
Silbermann acknowledged Brougher and the employee protest in his announcement of Wishom.
“She’s an expert in creating positive and inspirational content for global audiences, and a passionate advocate for building a company culture of respect, integrity, inclusion and support — areas in which we must innovate and improve,” Silbermann said in a statement.
In a lawsuit filed Aug. 11, Brougher said rampant discrimination and misogyny permeates Pinterest.
Two black women, who were former employees at Pinterest in June said they experienced racial discrimination and faced retaliation after raising concerns about unfair pay in the workplace.