UTA is bolstering its diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives with the hire of Lindsay Wagner, who has been hired as the company’s new chief diversity officer.
“As UTA grows, we must continue to cultivate a more diverse, multifaceted and inclusive culture,” said UTA CEO Jeremy Zimmer in a release. “Lindsay has a proven track record of pushing the envelope and leading with a fresh and unique perspective. I am confident that she will bring ingenuity to this new role and will be a great steward for the cause.”
In the newly created position, Wagner will amplify UTA’s existing values and commitments to the creative and business community. This includes the company’s previously announced pledge of $1 million to social justice causes, which accompanied a series of internal initiatives — from raising pay for entry-level positions to unconscious bias training for all employees and promoting senior agents of color to the UTA Board and Partnership, among other actions. Additionally, she will counsel the company’s clients and devise and execute tactics that align with UTA’s dedication to upholding diverse perspectives and projects.
“Entertainment sits at the cross-section of culture, storytelling and influence and therefore it’s critical that we collectively continue to identify and amplify authentic representation inside and outside of the organization,” said Wagner in a statement. “I am honored to join UTA and contribute to this purpose-led team focused on building a more diverse, equitable and inclusive community and industry now and for generations to come.”
Prior to joining UTA, Wagner served as senior vp and head of diversity, equity and inclusion, North America at the global communications consulting firm Ketchum. During her tenure, she developed and executed a community-centered DEI strategy and structure that included auditing the firm’s existing programs to positively impact the recruitment, retention and engagement of diverse talent. She also led the company’s partnership with the HBCU Week Foundation and worked across parent company Omnicom’s wider network to help establish the first-ever global town hall for Black employees.
“I’m thrilled to welcome Lindsay to the UTA family. With her wide-ranging experience and expertise, we know that she will elevate our mission to foster an inclusive environment, which allows for our colleagues to thrive and will attract the most inspiring and dynamic people to our company,” said UTA partner and chief people officer Jean-Rene Zetrenne in a release.
Wagner is a member of Justice League NYC & CA — a task force for The Gathering For Justice — which organizes large-scale direct action dedicated to ending racial inequality in the criminal justice system. She has also served as executive director of the New York City chapter of ColorComm, the nation’s leading women’s platform addressing diversity and inclusion across the communications and media industries.
At UTA, Wagner will be based in Los Angeles and report jointly to Zimmer and Zetrenne.
