Coqual, the 17-year-old think tank that studies diversity, equity, and inclusion and advises many of the world’s largest corporations, has announced that Lanaya Irvin will assume the role of CEO effective February 1, 2021. Coqual’s current CEO, former television executive Pat Fili-Krushel, will become chair of the Coqual Board of Directors.
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Irvin joined Coqual as president in March 2020. Her background includes more than a decade of experience on Wall Street and a track record of advocacy for equitable workplaces and LGBTQ rights. Since joining Coqual, she has been responsible for new business development and day-to-day operations. She is frequently featured in major media for her thought leadership on systemic racism in workplaces and what companies should do about it. Irvin will be the third CEO of Coqual, which was founded in 2004 by the global economist Sylvia Ann Hewlett.
“Lanaya is the ideal person to lead Coqual into the future,” said Coqual CEO Fili-Krushel. “Having worked with her at my side for nearly a year, I have seen firsthand the high quality of her leadership. Lanaya is completely committed to our mission, the quality of our research, and the value we deliver to our stakeholders. She is agile in crisis, sees untapped opportunities, and has a remarkable ability to make the connections between DEI and business value—which is critical right now as we hold leaders accountable for the promises they made last year to end systemic racism. I am thrilled to pass the reins to Lanaya and look forward to supporting her continued success from my new role as chair of the board.”
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Since its founding, Coqual has produced more than 40 influential research studies that have guided corporate DEI policy in companies around the globe, including The Power of Belonging (What It Means and Why It Matters in Today’s Workplace), Being Black in Corporate America, Wonder Women and STEM, Easing Racial Tensions at Work, and Out in the World: Securing LGBT Rights in a Global Marketplace.
“It’s an honor and privilege to take on the role of CEO at Coqual, one of the world’s leading think tanks in workplace diversity, equity, and inclusion,” said Lanaya Irvin. “The past year has revealed painful inequity in our society. It has also accelerated cultural transformation and inspired a renewed corporate commitment to change. I look forward to building upon Coqual’s tremendous legacy and working with our dynamic team to drive even greater impact globally.”
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