By Steve Kim and Emily MolnarAssociated PressIllinois is spending more than $6 billion on a new human resources executive who has a track record of creating great results.
The company said Thursday it hired Michael D. Lehrman as chief human resources officer, replacing David Wahlberg who resigned amid a controversy over the treatment of former employees.
LeHRman had been chief executive since 2014 and previously was the head of the company’s public relations team.
He also oversaw the company as the executive vice president of public affairs and global operations.
A spokeswoman for Lehrmann said he has “overseen many successful initiatives and accomplishments for the company.”
“His focus is on helping our company thrive in a changing world and on our mission of building the best talent in the industry,” said Heather Henson, who did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Lerner, the former head of corporate relations at Disney, has had a rocky relationship with Disney.
Disney has had to settle lawsuits in the past over claims it mistreated workers.LERNER LEARNED FROM EXPERTS IN THE INDUSTRYHe had a solid career in the entertainment industry, which included a stint at the U.S. Capitol, the White House and the State Department, according to his LinkedIn profile.
But he quickly rose to the rank of executive vice chair and was named executive vice chairman of Disney’s consumer businesses.