Award-winning jazz talent development organisation, creative producer and charity Tomorrow’s Warriors has revealed a series of new appointments to its board of trustees and senior management team.
Tomorrow’s Warriors has appointed Tove Okunniwa MBE as its new chair of the board of trustees, taking over from Viv Broughton (who remains a trustee). Okunniwa has 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, broadcaster, media executive and champion of jazz, as trustee.
Further strengthening the organisation’s leadership, Sian Lord-Baptiste has taken on the role of chief operating officer, drawing on her extensive experience in media and the third sector. In addition, Erin Barnes has been appointed as head of learning, outreach & engagement.
Tomorrow’s Warriors’ new senior management team is now 83% female (five out of six members) and 67% global majority (four out of six members).
These appointments follow the recent announcement of Tomorrow’s Warriors as an official Resident Organisation of Southbank Centre, where it has had a longstanding relationship to run its Talent Development Programme since 2009.
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.”
These appointments mark the beginning of an exciting new era for Tomorrow’s Warriors
Janine Irons
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, COO, 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.”
PHOTO: (L-R) Janine Irons, Tove Okunniwa, Gary Crosby (credit: Steve Funkyfeet)
