15225: The Integer Group Integration Intention Insincere…?

AgencySpy posted that The Integer Group hired a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Director. Of course they did. The Integer Group CEO Ellen Cook gushed, “We are thrilled [Gail Obaseki] has joined our team, bringing incredible passion and dedication to seeing her colleagues thrive by feeling supported. 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 recognize, respect, and maximize everyone’s contribution.” A peek at the company leadership shows Obaseki has a lot of work to do, as the inclusion integer looks like zero.

 

Omnicom’s The Integer Group Hires TraceyLocke, JWT Vet as DEI Director

 

By Erik Oster

 

Omnicom’s The Integer Group, which functions as the commerce arm of TBWA\Wordlwide, hired Gail Obaseki director, diversity, equity and inclusion.

 

Obaseki will lead diversity, equity and inclusion across the network’s U.S. agencies, working closely with the executive leadership team, DEI council and HR group while reporting directly to The Integer Group CEO Ellen Cook. She will be responsible for ensuring a commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion through initiatives related to community and partnership, education, hiring and recruitment, and an inclusive culture and workplace.

 

“We are thrilled Gail has joined our team, bringing incredible passion and dedication to seeing her colleagues thrive by feeling supported. 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 recognize, respect, and maximize everyone’s contribution,” Cook said in a statement. “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.”

 

Obaseki arrives at The Integer Group with over 25 years of industry experinece. Most recently, she Obaseki led diversity and inclusion efforts, creative resourcing, employee onboarding, field marketing management, production services, project management and studio services at TraceyLocke. She also founded her own DEI consultancy this year after leaving TraceyLocke. Prior to joining TraceyLocke, she spent around a decade with JWT, where she was a studio director. According to a statement, Obaseki’s commitment to advocacy and social change runs deep, dating back to her experiences as part of the first wave of Black students to integrate her hometown school system and including protesting against the Vietnam War and apartheid.

 

“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,” Obaseki said in a statement. “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.”