Originally published in Little Black Book

Code and Theory, a digital-first creative agency, has appointed Renée Miller as its first chief diversity officer, who will focus on DE&I efforts for both the agency and the brands it works with. As many know, last year, many agencies immediately hired similar roles reactively, but Code and Theory strategically kicked off and solidified its DE&I initiatives internally before identifying the necessity for a chief diversity officer, and ultimately appointing her to the position.

One of Renée's key roles will be to grow Code and Theory's 5% shifts, its agency-wide DE&I strategy focused on three pillars: employing, making, and educating – from expanding the DE&I committee's teams, setting new goals, identifying the right resources and tools to be successful, and more.

Within the agency, Renée will steer internal policies, measure success, and evolve all 5% practices, including hiring, recruiting, employee reviews, mentorship and career development programs, and more. Externally, she will take the lead on ensuring that the agency continues to create and deliver inclusive work and push clients to have the conversations needed to become more inclusive.

Her impressive ability to needle the thread between Code and Theory's key pillars set her up to become the best and only fit for the role, in addition to her historical knowledge on the agency and extensive understanding of its culture and values that is uncommon among other chief diversity officers. Most recently, Renée expanded the reporting and tracking for our DE&I metrics, which now includes non-binary / gender expansive data, not previously reported by the EEOC.

“Our 5% shifts strategy has always been about creating sustained and lasting change beyond the moment, so from the beginning we have been very intentional with how to make the biggest difference. But it’s an ongoing process, and we are always learning and finding ways to improve how we show up for our employees and how we operate as a business. Appointing Renée to CDO felt organic — she has already established an environment where employees can make a change and drive impact and has pushed our clients to adopt more inclusive strategies. She has the curiosity, humility, and empathy of a modern leader and I’m excited to see her thrive in this new role.” Dan Gardner, CEO, Code and Theory

“It has been extremely gratifying to have helped bring to life Code and Theory’s vision for a more diverse, inclusive and equitable future, not just at the agency but for our clients as well. We crafted 5% shifts specifically to ensure that each person at our agency feels empowered to make their own changes and impact, and I am honored to continue pushing this strategy forward in a holistic way. Culture lies within our grassroots and I’m looking forward to encouraging the Code and Theory family to embed diversity and inclusion in all the great work we do.” Renée Miller, chief diversity officer, Code and Theory