BBC Hires New Director of Diversity & Inclusion

Chinny Okolidoh has been tapped to join the BBC to lead its diversity strategies.

As director of diversity and inclusion, Okolidoh will be responsible for ensuring diversity and inclusion are at the heart of everything the BBC does and that the corporation accurately reflects the audiences it serves on- and off-air. The role combines BBC Workforce and Creative Diversity responsibilities to ensure strategic oversight of all the BBC’s diversity commitments.

Okolidoh is currently director of diversity, equity and inclusion at L’Oréal (U.K. and Ireland). She will take up the BBC role later this year.

Leigh Tavaziva, BBC’s chief operating officer, said: “I’m thrilled that Chinny Okolidoh will be joining the BBC. Ensuring the BBC truly reflects the public we serve—both on and off screen—has never been more important. I know Chinny’s experience and passion will help us to expertly build on the progress we’ve already made to improve representation across the industry.”

Okolidoh said: “I am delighted to be joining the BBC and honored to be working with the amazing team to continue to make progress on the BBC’s commitments to reflect and represent the diversity of the U.K.

“I look forward to building on the great work that has been done so far and continuing to put diversity and inclusion at the heart of everything the BBC does to inform, educate and entertain millions of people in the U.K. and around the world.”