Oris Stuart Named NBA's Chief People and Inclusion Officer Overseeing Diversity

The NBA created a new position on Thursday, naming Oris Stuart as the chief people and inclusion officer to "oversee diversity and inclusion strategies."

Ian Begley of SNY shared the league's press release announcing the new position and hire:

Per the press release, "With a focus on people, culture, inclusion and innovation, Stuart will establish policies and expand programs to increase the representation of people of color and women in leadership roles and positions across the league."

Stuart has been with the NBA since June 2015, serving as the league's chief diversity and inclusion officer. He previously was the CEO of Global Novations and a senior partner at Korn Ferry.

"Oris' appointment as chief people and inclusion officer is a testament to his impact on our leagues and teams over the past five years," NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said in the league's statement. "His commitment to developing our employees and driving inclusion at every level of our organization make him uniquely suited for this new role."

The NBA and NBPA have prioritized keeping social justice issues in the spotlight during the league's 22-team restart at the Walt Disney World Resort in the Orlando, Florida, area as gatherings and marches continue around the United States and the world in protest of systemic racism and police brutality.

As Oklahoma City Thunder point guard and NBPA president Chris Paul said in June:

"The issues of systemic racism and police brutality in our country need to end. As a union of NBA players and as a league, it is our job to use our collective platform to both put a spotlight on those issues and work to effect change.  As players, we have taken a leadership role when it comes to using our voices and implementing practical solutions, but there is much work ahead both in Orlando and long-term to continue the momentum and bring about real, long-lasting change to our society."

A players coalition, led by Kyrie Irving and Avery Bradley, wanted to see several measures put in place before agreeing to a restart.

Per ESPN's Malika Andrews and Adrian Wojnarowski, those included "improved hiring practices for black front-office and head coaching candidates—making it so the league's management better reflects its composition of players; donations to organizations serving black communities; and partnerships with black-owned businesses and arena vendors."

Stuart will likely head up the efforts to make those requests a reality.