June Sarpong OBE

June Sarpong OBE is a globally recognised champion for diversity and inclusion, combining over 25 years of experience as a broadcaster, author and executive advisor. As the BBC's first Director of Creative Diversity and the first Black woman on its Executive Committee, she spearheaded a £100 million commitment to diverse content and reshaped representation across the corporation. Through her consultancy Diversify International, she advises leading organisations including Google, Nike and Unilever on culture transformation and inclusive leadership, whilst her recent launch of The HQ Creative Inclusion Lab with HarperCollins champions writers from underrepresented communities. Her sessions equip leaders with actionable strategies to embed inclusion, unlock innovation and build cultures where diverse talent thrives.

When June Sarpong became the BBC's first Director of Creative Diversity in 2019, she made history as the first Black woman to sit on its Executive Committee, leading strategies that secured a £100 million commitment to diverse and inclusive content. Her appointment marked a pivotal moment for the corporation and set a benchmark for how major institutions approach representation. In August 2026, she was elevated to the House of Lords as Baroness Sarpong of Walthamstow, recognised by Prime Minister Keir Starmer for her contributions to broadcasting, charity campaigning, and social equity, cementing her influence at the highest levels of public life.

Through her consultancy Diversify International, June advises global organisations including Google, Nike, Burberry, Barclays and Unilever on culture transformation, inclusive leadership and connecting with new markets. As co-creator of the Women: Inspiration & Enterprise (WIE) Network, she has convened influential leaders from Sarah Brown to Melinda Gates, building communities that empower women across industries. She also co-founded the Decide Act Now (DNA) Summit in partnership with the United Nations, promoting discussion and innovation on diversity issues. Her recent launch of The HQ Creative Inclusion Lab with HarperCollins represents a bold step in publishing, championing writers from underrepresented communities, particularly disabled authors, those from underrepresented ethnic backgrounds, and people from working-class backgrounds. Her career spans over 25 years across broadcasting, executive leadership and global advocacy, and she serves as an ambassador for London Tech Week and co-creator of the EQL-Pledge, advocating for diversity in venture capital.

June has hosted some of the UK's most significant live events, including Nelson Mandela's 90th birthday celebrations, Live Earth, and Make Poverty History, and has interviewed world leaders from Bill Clinton to HRH Prince of Wales. As an award-winning author, her books *Diversify*, *The Power of Women* and *The Power of Privilege* have influenced how organisations and individuals think about equity and inclusion. Recognised with an MBE in 2007 and an OBE in 2020, and named a Top 10 D&I Leader in the Global Diversity Index, she continues to work with charities including the Prince's Trust and the United Nations. As a speaker, June equips leaders with practical strategies to embed inclusion, unlock innovation and build cultures where diverse talent thrives, inspiring audiences to think differently and act with purpose.