BBC Studios has announced the appointment of Yasir Mirza for the newly created post of Head of Diversity and Inclusion (D&I). Mirza will lead on devising and implementing a new strategy to improve representation across the business on and off-screen.
Mirza leaves Channel 4 to start his new role at BBC Studios in mid-March 2020, and will report to HR Director Jabbar Sardar. “Driving diversity and inclusion both on- and off-screen is a clear priority, so that we can better serve our audiences and truly reflect modern Britain,” stated Sardar. “We’re thrilled Yasir will be at the helm as we build on existing work to further embed diversity and inclusion into every facet of our culture.”
SOLID D&I EXPERIENCE
At Channel 4, he spearheaded a diversity strategy for the broadcaster, encompassing its new out-of-London sites, its leadership coaching and communications to the public around diversity. Prior to that role, Mirza led on D&I for the global philanthropic organisation Open Society Foundations.
He also spent six years as Head of D&I at Guardian News & Media, working closely with journalists to broaden and deepen the diversity of content, representation, and devising a more inclusive organisational culture.
Commenting on the new role, Mirza stated: “I’m hugely excited to be joining BBC Studios. It’s an opportunity to work with teams of the highest calibre who make content for global audiences, and I’m looking forward to helping the business improve its representation of the world we live in today.”