Independent creative agency Marcus Thomas LLC has named former chief idea officer Joanne Kim to serve as its chief diversity officer.

In her former role, she oversaw the agency’s creative, production and digital production centers of practice, and was in charge of agency innovation.

In her new role, Kim will work to cultivate an environment that supports and nurtures diversity, while spearheading the development of inclusion initiatives such as organization-wide diversity training and multicultural events. She will also set measurable objectives for recruiting, hiring and maintaining diverse candidates and interns.

Kim will oversee the development and growth of employee resource groups at the agency while being the voice of diversity and inclusion for Marcus Thomas in the ad and local community.

“Marcus Thomas made a strategic commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion two years ago as part of our long range plan. This is just one step that makes a statement to the world about our belief in the importance of equal rights and representation for all to the future of our business,” said Kim.