Tomorrow's Warriors announces key new appointments to Board of Trustees & Senior Management Team

Award-winning jazz talent development organisation, creative producer and charity Tomorrow's Warriors announced today a series of dynamic new appointments to its Board of Trustees and Senior Management Team.

Tomorrow's Warriors welcomes Tove Okunniwa MBE as its new Chair of the Board of Trustees, taking over from Viv Broughton (who remains a Trustee), bringing decades of strategic marketing and leadership experience. She is joined by Gloria Fagbemiro FCMI, a seasoned executive and organisational development consultant, as Trustee/Secretary, and Jez Nelson MBE, celebrated broadcaster, media executive and lifelong champion of jazz, as Trustee.

Further strengthening the organisation's leadership, Sian Lord-Baptiste takes up the role of Chief Operating Officer, drawing on her extensive experience in media and the third sector, while Erin Barnes brings 25 years of creative learning expertise to her new position as Head of Learning, Outreach & Engagement.

A Black-founded and Black-led organisation, Tomorrow's Warriors continues to expand its vision as it enters the next chapter of growth, with a focus on women in leadership and a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion both on and off stage. Its new Senior Management Team is now 83% female (5 out of 6 members) and 67% global majority (4 out of 6 members). This bold commitment to equity and inclusion ensures the organisation's leadership reflects the diverse communities it serves.

These appointments follow the recent announcement of Tomorrow's Warriors as an official Resident Organisation of Southbank Centre, where it has had a long-standing relationship to run its acclaimed Talent Development Programme since 2009. Bolstering the leadership signals a defining moment in Tomorrow's Warriors' plans for growth, reinforcing its capacity and resilience to deliver its bold vision: to inspire, nurture and champion the next generation of jazz talent and leaders in music, the arts and creative industries long into the future.

Janine Irons OBE, Co-Founder and CEO said "These appointments mark the beginning of an exciting new era for Tomorrow's Warriors. With such a dynamic, visionary, and diverse team at the helm, we are poised to grow our impact, deepen our legacy, and continue breaking down barriers for the next generation of artists and leaders. It's a bold step forward that reflects both our history and our future. Representation at the highest level of leadership isn't just symbolic, it's essential. For Tomorrow's Warriors, having leaders who reflect the diverse communities we serve means our young people can see themselves in positions of influence and power. It strengthens our voice, deepens our impact, and ensures that the values of equity and inclusion are not just spoken about, but lived at every level of the organisation."

Dr Gary Crosby OBE, Co-Founder and Artistic Director said "From day one, Tomorrow's Warriors has always been about opening doors and developing creativity. With this incredible team, we can push even further and ensure that people from all backgrounds are welcome, supported and can find a place and future for themselves in jazz."

Tove Okunniwa MBE, Chair of the Board of Trustees said "It's a huge honour to join Tomorrow's Warriors as the new Chair of the Board of Trustees;  it is an inspirational organisation that I've admired for a very long time. Gary and Janine have built something truly unique and have had an important impact on the world of music in the UK, bringing opportunity to so many young people and unleashing an extraordinary amount of talent. I'm delighted to join them at such an exciting time and to help the founders, the board and the whole Tomorrow's Warriors team in any way I can to realise their ambitious plans for the future."

Gloria Fagbemiro FCMI, Trustee/Secretary said "I've seen first-hand the life-changing impact Tomorrow's Warriors has on young musicians. To now join the Board of the Trustees is a privilege. I'm passionate about strengthening the organisation's governance, so it can continue to nurture diverse talent and champion equity in the music industry for generations to come."

Jez Nelson MBE, Trustee said "For me Tomorrow's Warriors is the most important British jazz organisation in the history of the music. As a broadcaster and producer, I've worked with them for more than 30 years and marvelled at their achievements. To now be appointed a Trustee is an honour and a joy."

Sian Lord-Baptiste, Chief Operating Officer said "I have been a longtime supporter and admirer of Tomorrow's Warriors. It is more than a charity, it's a movement. I am excited to join the leadership team at this key moment and help realise its bold vision for a more inclusive and innovative future in the arts."

Erin Barnes, Head of Learning, Outreach & Engagement said "I'm thrilled to join Tomorrow's Warriors, an organisation whose values and vision I deeply share. Music has the power to transform lives, and I look forward to working with our brilliant young musicians, partners and communities to nurture creativity, equity and opportunity, ensuring every young person has the chance to thrive through music."