Deborah Williams OBE

Deborah Williams isn’t just a leader in diversity; she’s the architect of an entire industry’s transformation. From her tenure at the Creative Diversity Network (CDN) to her roles at the British Film Institute (BFI) and Arts Council England, Deborah has been the force behind some of the most groundbreaking initiatives in UK media.

At CDN, Deborah launched Diamond, the world’s first industry-wide diversity data collection system, giving the UK television sector a mirror to see itself as it truly is—flaws and all. She didn’t stop there. She conceived and led Doubling Disability, a campaign that placed disability front and center, not just as a talking point but as a tangible, trackable change. Her influence extended far beyond the UK, representing CDN on three continents, turning best practices into global benchmarks.

Prior to CDN, Deborah shaped the BFI’s diversity standards, designed and managed a million-pound lottery fund, and brought thought leadership on inclusion to some of the UK’s most prestigious cultural platforms, including the London Film Festival. At Arts Council England, she worked with the Executive Board to weave equality and diversity into the very fabric of the organization, ensuring that these values weren’t just policies—they were culture.

Whether she’s advising industry leaders, designing awards ceremonies, or representing organizations on the world stage, Deborah Williams OBE has proven one thing: she doesn’t just talk about change—she builds it.