Kamala Avila-Salmon is now the head of inclusive content for Lionsgate Motion Picture Group, reports Deadline.
In a first-of-its-kind role, Avila-Salmon will work in a position aimed at implementing and developing equity, diversity, and inclusion strategies and programs that will then be reflected in the studio’s home entertainment and theatrical slate.
In her previous role at Facebook, the marketing maven launched the Marketing Inclusion discipline within the social media giant’s Consumer Marketing team.
In her new role, Avila-Salmon will have a say in all Lionsgate Motion Picture Group creatives processes that include content development, casting, production, greenlight, marketing, and international sales. She will work closely with the studio’s Chief Diversity Officer Jamila Daniel to help support internal D&I initiatives and processes and report to Lionsgate Motion Picture Group COO Jen Hollingsworth.
“Lionsgate is committed to making films and telling stories that reflect the broader world around us,” Hollingsworth told Deadline. “As a senior leader in the Motion Picture Group, Kamala will have the authority and support to help us better serve our audiences. Her expertise and leadership will be vital, but the work toward progress does not rest on her shoulder alone – it will require everyone at this studio to be dedicated in joining in her mandate, and we renew that dedication today.”
Her work at Facebook earned Avila-Salmon’s recognition as one of Adweek’s 2019 Young Influentials, an accolade presented to stars who are “changing the way we think about branding.”
“Storytelling is the lifeblood of our society and the stories we see on the big screen shape how we see ourselves and others,” said Avila-Salmon. “Inclusive stories have the power to change our world and I am honored and humbled to partner with the amazing team at Lionsgate in the mission to get more of these stories into the world.”
Avila-Salmon initially started her career at RCA records in marketing before joining Sean “Diddy” Combs at Bad Boy Records as a marketing executive. As she’s clearly well-versed in the marketing space, this move seems to have been a no-brainer on Lionsgate’s part and we wish her all of the best in her new role.
