2022 marks the first time ever that Americans 19 and under have attained a multicultural majority. In general, the United States is increasingly multiracial, and this trend towards diverse populations will keep accelerating in the coming years.
These are only a few of the reasons why NBCUniversal’s Global Advertising & Partnerships must go beyond just celebrating diversity through cultural heritage months, like Pride Month in June or Hispanic Heritage Month coming up in September. Instead, we have a much broader opportunity—and responsibility—to make these efforts part of an “Always On” culture that shines 52 weeks a year.
Because we’re building this “Always On” culture, our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) team’s work has never been more urgent or important. And fulfilling #OurPartnershipCommitment to both our clients and employees depends on the success of these efforts, as we strive to reflect the diversity of the communities we serve.
Bringing Together Our DEI Efforts
Our DEI strategy is led by a two-pronged approach: an internal and external focus that work in unison, feeding and evolving our efforts to grow in this space. Internally, we remain committed to hiring and developing diverse talent at all levels of our organization. Externally, we continue to collaborate with our partners as they look for innovative ways to connect with the full spectrum of identities and communities across the globe.
When we united our internal and external DEI efforts in May, we recognized the immediate value in operating as one cohesive unit that reports directly to Linda Yaccarino, Chairman of Global Advertising & Partnerships.
And now, to continue this evolution, we’re thrilled to announce that Kimberly King will be taking on a new, elevated role as Vice President of Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion for Global Advertising & Partnerships.
Promoting a One Platform Approach to DEI
There couldn’t be a more qualified person to guide this work than Kimberly. In her capacity as Vice President of One Platform Marketing, she led a team that fulfilled #OurPartnershipCommitment by creating authentic bonds between our clients and consumers. Crucially, she also helped fulfill #OurPartnershipCommitment to our employees by fostering our culture of care, serving on our DEI Council, and spearheading BOLD Spotlight, a series of inspirational conversations with leaders from diverse backgrounds.
Now, Kimberly will merge her marketing expertise with her dedication to DEI to keep growing #OurPartnershipCommitment for clients and employees alike. Reporting to Peter, she will ensure that our new DEI vertical links together all aspects of our DEI strategy, just like One Platform links together all aspects of our unmatched global portfolio.
As a result, NBCU’s Global Advertising & Partnerships will have what few divisions in the industry do—a single, streamlined DEI team that supports all internal employee programs AND all external DEI-related partnerships.
Continuing a Culture of Inclusion
Kimberly’s new role represents the latest advance in NBCU’s longstanding mission to build an inclusive culture companywide. In 2020, for example, Comcast—NBCU’s parent company—pledged $100 million to DEI efforts inside and outside of the organization.[3]
This broader dedication to inclusion has strengthened Global Advertising & Partnerships’ own well-established DEI efforts. Linda has long recognized that inclusive content and partnerships aren’t possible without an equally inclusive workplace behind them. Accordingly, Carla Kelly, SVP of Client Partnerships, has led pioneering and powerful work in this area, which our entire division continues to lean into.
That’s why we’re incredibly proud that NBCU ended 2021 with the most diverse employee population in history—and that we achieved the same milestone within Global Advertising & Partnerships.
Powering a Brighter Future
With our leadership in place and our culture shining bright, we’ll continue building on the foundation of our deeply held DEI values. From our pioneering partnership with Target’s Scene in Color, to our impactful Pride Is Universal campaign, we’re excited by the difference we’ve already made. And we’re even more excited to keep doing our part to create a more equitable future, though we know that means we have much work left to do.
Ultimately, maintaining an “Always On” culture of inclusion doesn’t rest with only one person. Everyone has a role to play in making Global Advertising & Partnerships a place where each employee feels completely comfortable being their authentic selves. We’ll fulfill this essential facet of #OurPartnershipCommitment the same way we accomplish all our ambitions—together.
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Sources:
[1] https://www.mediavillage.com/article/nbcuniversals-peter-blacker-on-dei-sponsorship-opportunities-and-identifying-multicultural-rock-stars-video/?video=6309246495112
[2] https://www.theguardian.com/books/2018/jun/13/diversity-one-meaning-lionel-shriver-steven-poole
[3] https://www.nbcuniversal.com/diversity-equity-inclusion
