Warner Music Launches Global Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Institute

Warner Music Group is launching a global diversity, equity and inclusion institute. The institute is expected to serve as a forum to engage with entities outside of the company to gain a variety of expertise in order to fulfill their DEI commitments.

News of the institute follows WMG revealing their DEI commitments earlier this month. Warner has committed to building teams that reflect the communities they work in, addressing historical differences in opportunity, sharing data on their representation and more.

“Warner Music Group is taking a bold step toward inclusion, equity and lasting change by institutionalizing this hub of training and innovation. I am 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,” said WMG global head of diversity, equity, and inclusion Dr. Maurice A. Stinnett in a release. “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.”

The institute will be home to several educational initiatives including the company’s Movement DEI education series, which is a rotating set of dialogue-based workshops where people at WMG learn, grow and reflect together on topics such as anti-racism, ableism, homophobia and sexism. It will also host the Inclusive Leadership Series for executives at the company led by experts Dr. Stephanie Creary of Wharton School of Business and Dr. Zoe Kinias of non-profit business school INSEAD.

The institute’s 2022 programming includes offerings from experts and leaders such as authors Roxane Gay and Duke University’s Dr. Mark Anthony Neal. It will also partner with organizations including OutRight Action International, Congressional Hispanic Caucus, National Disability Institute, Global Indigenous Council and the Global Fund for Women.

“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,” said WMG CEO Stephen Cooper in a release. “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.”

WMG’s Dr. 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.

The DEI Innovation Lab will also be a feature of the institute. The lab will provide opportunities for emerging leaders to showcase their skills and capabilities. Employees will be invited to apply to pitch an idea for a new project or initiative related to DEI to a panel of DEI leaders. The panel will then select 1-2 projects bi-annually to support and help to identify a business sponsor.

“The Institute demonstrates that WMG sees DEI as an imperative in every single country we work in,” said Warner Music China managing director Sherry Tan in a release. “Having this global resource to tap into will be an incredible opportunity for learning and changemaking in the areas we most need to grow.”