The Integer Group, a commerce agency and a key member of Omnicom Group Inc, has appointed Gail Obaseki as Director of Diversity, Equality & Inclusion (DE&I).
Her new role spans Integer’s US network of agencies, including Bentonville, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Des Moines, Los Angeles and New York. Obaseki will report to Ellen Cook, CEO for The Integer Group.
Working closely with Integer’s executive leadership team, network HR group, and DE&I Council, Obaseki will lead efforts to evaluate and enhance Integer’s strategies and initiatives, ensuring the agency’s DE&I-specific mission is prioritised and inherent to its DNA. As part of this strategy, a focus will be placed on recruitment and hiring, inspiration and education, inclusive culture, community and partnership, and inclusive work.
COMMITTED TO DIVERSITY & INCLUSION
“We are thrilled Gail has joined our team, bringing incredible passion and dedication to seeing her colleagues thrive by feeling supported,” stated Ellen Cook, CEO of The Integer Group. “Gail will insist on accountability to push Integer forward as an agency made up of creative and innovative talent from diverse backgrounds and perspectives, who recognise, respect, and maximise everyone’s contribution. There is much more work to be done, and we are fully committed to this next chapter of advancing our mission: to create a truly diverse and inclusive environment for our employees and to deliver great work that works for clients that is truly reflective of the world today.”
Commenting on the appointment, Obaseki stated: “I am extremely excited to join The Integer Group, as we continue to create an environment in which diversity, equality, and inclusion are not just present but a foundational pillar of who we are and what we do; and where every person of every race, gender identity, orientation, background, and situation feels safe and valued. As a leading commerce agency, we also understand that we have a responsibility to ourselves as well as a responsibility to our clients and our communities, to affect change and to lead with empathy. We are committed to this responsibility and eager to take action.”
DIVERSITY & INCLUSION EXPERTISE
With more than 25 years of industry experience, Obaseki brings with her a wealth of advertising agency leadership from TracyLocke and JWT, where she focused on people, processes and excellence in execution. Most recently at TracyLocke, Obaseki led DE&I efforts and employee onboarding, as well as production services, project management, creative resourcing, field marketing management and studio services.
Obaseki has always been an advocate for marginalised people, including BIPOC, women and the LGBTQ community, working to ensure all have a seat at the proverbial table and that their voices are heard. From being part of the first wave of Black students to integrate her hometown schools, to protesting against the Vietnam War and Apartheid, to building bridges through mentorship and creating safe spaces within corporate agencies, Obaseki’s history has been one filled with balancing revolution and progressivism with steady and deliberate change from within.
Sign up for our newsletter
