WMG Launches Global DEI Institute
• Warner Music Group (WMG) announced the launch of its Global DEI Institute, having earlier this month revealed their Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) commitments as part of the company’s first Environmental Social Governance (ESG) report: Diversity: We commit to building teams across all levels of WMG that reflect the diversity of the communities we work in and with; Equity: We commit to promoting fairness and justice and addressing historical divergences in opportunity; Inclusion: We commit to fostering a culture of belonging where each person can be their authentic self, valued for their unique contributions, and supported to grow; Accountability: We commit to monitoring and disclosing data on ethnicity and gender representation across all levels of our company to help drive awareness and accountability where legally possible.
The DEI Institute, which will serve as a hub of innovation, learning and action within the company is the first of its kind within the music industry. WMG’s first Global Head of DEI, Dr. Maurice A. Stinnett and the global DEI team are working across the company to build local implementation DEI plans, tailored to regional needs and challenges, as well as to foster links to social impact initiatives that benefit marginalized communities.
Stinnett (left) said, “Warner Music Group is taking a bold step toward inclusion, equity and lasting change by institutionalizing this hub of training and innovation. I’m thrilled to partner with some of the most brilliant minds in our industry and culture to further develop our leaders and offer educational opportunities for everyone at WMG. As a company, we continue to reflect internally and build the roadmap ahead toward more equity and inclusion, and this Institute will help drive this imperative work. This isn’t a moment we are responding to; this is a commitment that will be baked into the fabric of our company and industry for generations to come.”
Warner Music Group CEO Steve Cooper said, “It’s not enough to just acknowledge problematic histories or the resulting discrimination and miseducation that remain in place. We’ve got to actively break them down and build up new, equitable, inclusive environments where all people can belong — and we’ve got to do it together. Enlisting a wide range of experts, thought-leaders, and innovators will help us continuously evolve a culture of education and empowerment for our people, artists, and songwriters around the globe.”
For more details on how WMG pledges to accomplish their DEI commitments, along with plans for accountability, please visit deiinstitute.wmg.com.
