New York-listed gaming technology specialist IGT has appointed Kim Barker Lee to the new role of vice president of corporate diversity and inclusion.

Barker Lee is tasked with implementing the group’s first ever global diversity strategy, working alongside IGT leadership and HR functions, and chairing the Executive Diversity and Inclusion Council program.

Mario Di Loreto, IGT executive vice president of people and transformation, said: “IGT is committed to ensuring that our workforce reflects the global customers and communities that we serve.

“Bringing more diverse perspectives to the table drives innovation and will enable IGT to continue to deliver the best products and services to our customers. Kim is an excellent choice for this position.

“Her personal contribution to IGT, true passion for diversity and inclusion, and unwavering commitment mark her as exactly what this position calls for.”

Barker Lee, who formerly served as general counsel of the group’s Illinois lottery subsidiary Northstar Lottery Group, said: “Diversity and inclusion goes beyond gender and race. We want to embed into our values a culture of inclusion where all our employees feel valued, respected, listened to, engaged and empowered to contribute to the success of the company.

“IGT will continue to achieve success by recognising that diversity is an asset and a business imperative in today’s global marketplace,” she said.