MORRISTOWN, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--To support its commitment for building, progressing, developing, and championing a diverse and inclusive workplace environment, Schindler Elevator Corporation, the North American operation of the Switzerland-based Schindler Group, a leading global mobility provider of elevators, escalators and related services, announced today that Julia Hodum has joined the company as Director, Inclusion & Diversity (I&D) for its U.S. Operations.

In this role, Ms. Hodum will be responsible for leading I&D initiatives across the U.S. organization to advance Schindler’s goals, drive programs and initiatives that create sustainable culture change, and provide strategic input and guidance to leaders to further infuse I&D into its teams and operations.

“During our search, we were intentional about bringing in an I&D leader who aligns with our core values as a company and has the experience, perspective, and drive to help us achieve our inclusion and diversity goals on a company-wide basis,” said Greg Ergenbright, president, U.S. Operations for Schindler Elevator Corporation. “Julia’s experiences across the globe, working with country leaders, government officials and non-governmental agencies, as well as her experience mentoring and spearheading a wide variety of I&D projects, make her a great fit as we continue to foster inclusion and diversity as part of our culture.”

Hodum joins Schindler from InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG), where she led the regional strategies related to Diversity & Inclusion and Talent for North and South America, the Philippines and China. Before this role, Hodum founded and led IHG Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), and for five years prior, served as manager, Global Digital Product and Strategy for IHG. She started her career with Accenture Federal Services. She previously interned at The White House in Washington, D.C., and spent a year interning in Economic Development at the World Hope Center in Nairobi, Kenya.

“Schindler’s family-oriented, ethics-driven culture and commitment to enhancing mobility for all is a great foundation for fostering an inclusive workplace that champions diversity of thought, background, and ability,” said Hodum. “Our continued I&D commitment will enable us to work better with each other, our customers, and our communities. By ensuring we recruit, retain, and engage the best minds from all walks of life, we will further our competitive advantages of people development and innovation. We are also committed to leading change in our industry, paving the way for diverse employees to find meaningful careers in this field that leave lasting impacts in their communities.”

Hodum holds an MBA from The Georgia Institute of Technology and a BA in International Studies from The American University. She is also the recipient of the 2017 Young Leader in Diversity Award by the National Diversity Council.

About Schindler Elevator Corporation

Schindler Elevator Corporation is the North American operation of the Switzerland-based Schindler Group, a leading global mobility provider of elevators, escalators and related services. Schindler supports sustainable urban development with safe, reliable and sustainable mobility solutions, moving more than one billion people every day all over the world. Behind the company’s success are over 65,000 employees operating in more than 100 countries. For additional information about Schindler Elevator Corporation, visit the company’s Web site at www.us.schindler.com.