Pinterest CEO promises to change company culture, increase diversity

Pinterest CEO Ben Silbermann is promising to address a lack of diversity at the company after former employees accused it of racial discrimination and unfair pay.

Silbermann plans to add a person of color to the company’s board by the end of the year and raise Pinterest’s awareness about issues of racism, inclusion and bias, according to an email sent to employees that was obtained by Bloomberg.

“What I’ve learned over the past few weeks is that parts of our culture are broken. Truthfully, I didn’t understand just how much work we have to do,” wrote Silbermann. “Most importantly, I still believe that we can make Pinterest a company where Black employees, people from all underrepresented groups and everyone will be proud to work for.”

The email follows allegations this week from two former employees, both black women, who both said they were underpaid and faced issues of discrimination while working on Pinterest’s policy team. 

A Pinterest spokesperson confirmed the email obtained by Bloomberg was sent to employees.