Feb 11 (Reuters) - Walt Disney ( DIS ) is changing its

diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs to focus more

closely on business outcomes, while fostering an environment in

which all employees can thrive, according to a memo seen by

Reuters.

The media giant joins several of the largest businesses in

the U.S. in scaling back diversity initiatives.

Disney's ( DIS ) 2024 annual report, published in September,

removed mentions of its "Reimagine Tomorrow" program, an online

space for "amplifying underrepresented voices" that featured

some of Disney's ( DIS ) diversity, equality and inclusion commitments

and actions.

The memo notes Disney ( DIS ) has added a new factor called

"talent strategy" to evaluate executive compensation, weighing

how well leaders advance Disney's ( DIS ) values of cultivating an

environment in which all employees can thrive.

It represents an "evolution" of the former diversity and

inclusion factor, adding elements such as storytelling,

creativity and synergy, according to the memo. "While this will

continue to evolve, what won't change is our commitment to

fostering a company where everyone belongs."

Axios was the first to obtain the memo.

Amazon.com ( AMZN ) removed a reference to "inclusion and

diversity" in its annual report filed last week, after it told

employees in a December memo that it was winding down its

programs as part of corporate America's broader retreat from

such policies.