Leading global entertainment agency WME has appointed Gisselle Ruiz as its newest staff addition and head of inclusion.
The former TikTok and seasoned diversity/inclusion executive has plans to help the Hollywood talent agency navigate the industry moving forward as it works to be “anti-racist and ally-oriented,” The Hollywood Reporter shares.
Billboard reports that Ruiz will help oversee recruitment, retention and strategic partnerships via WME’s Beverly Hills headquarters to help drive the agency’s diversity, equity, and inclusion goals.
Prior to her newly-appointed position, Ruiz served as a global talent acquisition leader at TikTok, where she was instrumental in leading diversity and inclusion initiatives and standards for the short video-sharing app.
Additionally, she also worked in previous executive roles at CAA, Google, Walt Disney, and at the Broad Center non-profit, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
Now, she joins the WME family as they and other Hollywood agencies busy themselves with signing rising TikTok stars looking for more social media fame.
WME naming Ruiz as its head of inclusion follows the calls for action for more inclusion in the entertainment industry, including diverse stories, storytellers, and better representation among the executive and talent agency ranks in Hollywood.
In addition to Ruiz’s new hire, WME and Endeavor Content — a sports and entertainment extension of WME — have already taken action to put Hollywood’s diversity and inclusion plan in motion.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, both companies have reportedly committed $5 million — over the next three years — toward developing community programs and inclusion initiatives; partnering with select colleges to recruit students from underrepresented backgrounds; and investing in Black-led creative TV and film projects.
