Warner Music Group (WMG) has appointed Dr. Maurice Stinnett to the newly-created position of Head of Global Equity, Diversity & Inclusion.
Stinnett, who joins WMG’s senior management team, was most recently Vice President of Diversity, Inclusion, and Culture at BSE Global, whose operations include the NBA’s Brooklyn Nets, the WNBA’s New York Liberty, and Brooklyn’s Barclays Center.
He will report to Warner Music Group CEO Steve Cooper and be based at the company’s global headquarters in New York City. Stinnett will work in partnership with Nina Bhagwat, Head of Inclusion & Diversity at Warner Music’s UK office.
The appointment follows the recent announcement of the external directors for the $100m WMG / Blavatnik Family Foundation Social Justice Fund.
“Our business can and should lead the way in opening up a new era of diversity and inclusion. We’re at a turning point in history, and there’s a genuine commitment and desire for real transformation and transparency at WMG.”
Dr. Maurice Stinnett, Warner Music Group (pictured)
In his new post, says Warner, Stinnett will spearhead the company’s equity initiatives, “implementing tailored strategies and programs designed to cultivate a diverse and inclusive company culture”.
He will collaborate with WMG’s People team on talent recruitment and development, and provide support to the company’s Executive Diversity & Inclusion Council as well as its various Employee Resource Groups.
“The past two months have seen an unprecedented reckoning in the fight against systemic racism and injustice. We’re committed to lasting change throughout our company and in our industry at large,” said Steve Cooper.
“Maurice brings impressive knowledge, experience, and passion to this important new post. He will be a dynamic leader who will hold us accountable to our promises and be a credible voice both within our company and in the global music community.”
Maurice will be a dynamic leader who will hold us accountable to our promises and be a credible voice both within our company and in the global music community.”
Steve Cooper, Warner Music Group
“Music is a force for good in the world, and the music industry is made up of artists, songwriters, and people from every background,” said Maurice Stinnett. “Our business can and should lead the way in opening up a new era of diversity and inclusion. We’re at a turning point in history, and there’s a genuine commitment and desire for real transformation and transparency at WMG.
“I’m thrilled to be joining the company on this important journey, and I’m grateful to Steve for this opportunity to help make a difference. As I step into this new role, I carry tremendous pride in the work accomplished by the entire BSE Global family in progressing racial equality and social justice. I will continue to cheer on the Nets and Liberty as a member of the Brooklyn community.”
Stinnett, who holds a Doctor of Education degree in Organization & Leadership from Columbia University and a Master of Divinity degree from Princeton Theological Seminary, is the recipient of the Jackie Robinson Trailblazer Award from the Rainbow PUSH Coalition and Rev. Jesse Jackson, and the President’s Award for Community Service and Activism from the NAACP of Springfield, Ohio, among other honors.
Prior to BSE Global, he held posts as Vice President of University Engagement and Chief Diversity Officer at Cleveland State University; Dean of Students at Central State University; Vice President and Senior Director of Community Engagement and Education at CentroNia; Chairman of the White House Initiative, World Leadership Program; and Lead Organizer for Diversity and Education Initiatives at Prepare the Future Ohio.Music Business Worldwide
