Health insurance giant Humana recently elevated the role of diversity and inclusion in the company with the creation of a new C-level position to oversee the function and direct its initiatives, naming longtime executive Maria Hughes to fill the role of chief inclusion & diversity officer — deliberately reversing the traditional D&I title to reflect its renewed focus.
Hughes, who spent 15 years at Ford Motor Credit Co. before joining Humana 11 years ago, has spent her career in operational and enterprise leadership roles. This background — not typical of D&I practitioners, who usually come from a human resources discipline — enables Hughes to bring a different perspective to the role.
Fair360, formerly DiversityInc spoke with Hughes, who discussed how her varied background informs her approach. She also shared Humana’s commitment to inclusion and recognition of its value for business objectives, culture and creating healthier communities.
