DukeNY Career Conversations: Oris Stuart M.B.A. ’89, Chief People & Inclusion Officer, NBA
Watch DukeNY’s Career Conversations featuring Oris Stuart M.B.A. ’89, Chief People and Inclusion Officer at the National Basketball Association (NBA). Oris is interviewed by Philip McKenzie M.B.A. ’99, Cultural Anthropologist, Strategist, and Host of “The Deep Dive” podcast.
Oris shares his successful career journey over two decades as an executive in talent management fields. Named the National Basketball League’s first Chief People and Inclusion Officer in 2020, he establishes policies and expands programs to increase the representation of people of color and women in leadership roles and positions across the league. In addition, Oris currently serves on the Board of Directors for the National Black MBA Association and is a member of the Executive Leadership Council, a national organization that empowers African‐American corporate leaders to make impactful contributions in the global marketplace and their communities.
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Oris Stuart M.B.A. ’89
Chief People and Inclusion Officer, National Basketball Association (NBA)
As Chief People and Inclusion Officer at the National Basketball Association, Oris Stuart is responsible for leading the combined Human Resources and Diversity and Inclusion groups. He oversees diversity and inclusion strategies for the NBA, WNBA, NBA G League and NBA 2K League and its teams, supports the growth and development of the NBA’s global workforce, and strengthens commitments to attract, retain, develop and engage diverse talent.
With a focus on people, culture, inclusion and innovation, Stuart aims to establish policies and expand programs to increase the representation of people of color and women in leadership roles and positions across the league. He leads the NBA’s Global Inclusion Council and efforts to grow the league’s network of Black-, women- and diverse-owned suppliers. Stuart also works closely with senior leadership to enable, empower and develop employees in 13 U.S. and international offices.
Stuart joined the NBA in June 2015 and was named the league’s first Chief People and Inclusion Officer in 2020.
Stuart has 20 years of experience as a business executive in diversity and inclusion and talent management fields. Prior to the NBA, Stuart spent two years as a Senior Partner with Korn Ferry, an executive search and talent management firm, where he led its Inclusion and Diversity practice. Previously, Stuart served as the Chief Executive Officer for Global Novations, the world’s leading provider of diversity and inclusion consulting and training solutions. During his tenure with Global Novations, Stuart supported clients across Asia, Australia, Europe and North America, guided the expansion of the firm’s technology and consulting platforms, and led its ultimate acquisition by Korn Ferry in 2012.
Stuart graduated from the University of Virginia with a degree in electrical engineering and holds an M.B.A. from Duke University. He currently serves on the Board of Directors for the National Black MBA Association and is a member of the Executive Leadership Council, a national organization that empowers African-American corporate leaders to make significant and impactful contributions in the global marketplace and their communities.
Moderated by Philip McKenzie M.B.A. ’99
Cultural Anthropologist, Strategist, and Host of “The Deep Dive” podcast
Philip L. McKenzie is a Cultural Anthropologist + Strategist with a focus on humanity-centered design. Philip uses his expertise in culture to advise organizations on how best to thrive in an increasingly challenging and uncertain environment. Philip uses his quantitative background and Wall Street experience in combination with a qualitative understanding of social, economic and cultural movements to unmask complex opportunities and identify significant trends that impact and uncover viable futures.
Philip’s work has placed him at the center of understanding the significance of culture as a reflection of shared values. As a result, he is a sought-after strategist working with a myriad of global organizations. He has provided keynotes and workshops in London, Moscow, Sao Paulo, Istanbul, Amsterdam, Mexico City and other cities.
Philip is currently the Executive Director of Advancing Diversity and a columnist for MediaVillage. He is the creator and host of “The Deep Dive,” a leading culture and insights podcast. Previously he manifested his creative vision as co-host/co-creator of “2 Dope Boys & a Podcast.”
Previously, Philip was Managing Partner of FREE DMC, a multicultural and influencer-marketing agency that specialized in integrated marketing strategy, digital content creation, and experiential events. There he created strategic experiential campaigns for Jaguar, Sprite, Remy Martin, Belvedere Vodka and others.
Philip started his career at Goldman, Sachs as a Domestic Equity Trader. He has a bachelor’s degree in finance with a minor in philosophy and African American Studies from Howard University, and an M.B.A. from Duke University.
Philip is a passionate supporter of the arts. He has been a Supporting Partner of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre since 1999. He is formerly a Junior Associate of the Museum of Modern Art and a member of the Apollo Circle of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. He is a rabid music fan and accomplished DJ under the name 9 Is Water.
Philip is born and bred in what he terms “Real Brooklyn” but travels extensively wherever the wind takes him. He is completing his first book titled “No Shortcuts! The Revolutionaries Guide To The Future.”