Zillow Officially Joins in The Board Challenge

As of late, Zillow has been showing us that it’s ready for change and it knows where to begin. The company has run surveys after surveys, finding discrimination issues throughout its platform, using this information to crack down on these issues and moving forward as a more humanitarian company. 

In line with this, Rich Barton, the company’s CEO, Tweeted that his company will be participating in a movement to diversify its own Board. 

There's no excuse for an all-white board in today’s environment. @Zillow’s proud to join #TheBoardChallenge because I’ve come to know if you’re not part of the solution, you’re part of the problem. Leaders of all backgrounds can’t let this moment pass. https://t.co/Hwo6sQ7eMC

— Rich Barton (@Rich_Barton) September 9, 2020

Called The Board Challenge, developed by Altimeter Capital, Valence Community, and theBoardlist, calls for companies to rethink how they choose and who they name on their Board. 

Barton posted on his LinkedIn:

“The perspectives and ideas we listen to, and the voices we elevate, will determine the future of our industries, our companies, and ultimately our world. It’s obvious that Black people are underrepresented in corporate boardrooms and other positions of leadership and power. It is something we don’t talk about enough. The Board Challenge is an opportunity to talk about it more and do something about it. We are in.”

Joining Zillow in the initiative is competitor Redfin, who had posted an article in July on its own findings when it came to discrimination and lack of diversity in the real estate industry. 

Brad Gerstner, founder and CEO of Altimeter Capital and co-founder of The Board Challenge, said:

"As a next step, we are encouraging companies to take the pledge and add a Black director in the next 12 months. The Board Challenge is a movement to accelerate these changes and help companies tap into the energy and talents of all underrepresented groups."

Barton plans to add at least one Black executive to its board during the initiative. 

Along with the research and The Board Challenge, Barton has implemented a number of changes that coincide with turning Zillow into a more progressive option for those looking to buy, sell, or rent a space. The original goal at Zillow’s launch was to “turn on the lights in real estate – empowering all people with information that had previously been shrouded in darkness.” By joining in on the movement, Zillow is keeping that promise.