UK record labels association, the BPI, today announces the appointment of Hailey Willington to the newly-created post of BPI Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Manager.

Hailey, who started in the new role on 1st June and reports to BPI Chief Operating Officer MJ Olaore, will provide knowledge and advice across the organisation and to its members and the wider industry to assist in developing and implementing a co-ordinated DEI strategy. The role will be the central point of expertise in this area and will advise on actions the organisation should be taking to embed the strategy into its operations.

Hailey Willington combines her background as a violinist and educator to advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion in the music industry. Hailey was previously Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Leader at Merton Music Foundation where she played a crucial role in making Merton Music Foundation one of the first Music Hubs in England to sign the Black Lives in Music Charter. More widely within the industry, Hailey is elected to the Musicians' Union National Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Committee. Beyond music, Hailey has contributed to wider societal change as an elected member of the TUC Women's Committee and a trustee for AIMS (Association for Improvements in the Maternity Services).

Hailey Willington, BPI Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Manager, said:

"I am thrilled to be joining the BPI to help further the progress of the important diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives that have been established in recent years. The BPI holds a critical role in the music industry, supporting and advocating for a vibrant and diverse British music industry that successfully draws on the talent of a diverse array of artists and work colleagues of all backgrounds. I look forward to being part of the team championing transformational change across the BPI's membership and the wider music sector to foster a more equitable, inclusive and diverse music industry."

MJ Olaore, BPI Chief Operating Officer, said:

"We welcome Hailey to the BPI with all our good wishes and we look forward to the important contribution that she will make to help address continuing DEI issues in music but also to shape and build on the positive impetus of progressive change that we are committed to at the BPI and that we are seeing across our member labels and in the wider industry, including the work led by the UK Music Diversity Taskforce and with our Equity and Justice Advisory Group (EJAG)."