Kudzi Chikumbu is a passionate advocate for racial equality and a trailblazer in the digital entertainment world, currently serving as the Global Head of Creator Marketing at TikTok. His work places him at the intersection of culture, community, and innovation, where he uses his platform to empower diverse voices, especially within the Black and LGBTQ+ communities. Kudzi’s lived experiences as a Black, queer South African immigrant have profoundly shaped his perspective and fuel his commitment to representation and equity in media and tech. As a speaker, he regularly tackles topics such as racial justice in the workplace, inclusive leadership, the power of authenticity, and how platforms like TikTok can drive cultural change.
Kudzi’s career began in the world of finance, qualifying as an accountant and working as a Senior Consultant for Strategy & Innovation at Deloitte. While he excelled in the corporate environment, he craved creative expression. This desire led him to pursue an MBA, during which a guest lecture redirected his ambitions toward the entertainment industry. An internship at Hulu and the success of his personal YouTube channel helped him break into the digital space, where he quickly made a name for himself. His bold move to join musical.ly as Senior Manager for Entertainment Partnerships proved pivotal; he played a key role in its evolution, staying through its acquisition by ByteDance and eventual transformation into TikTok.
Kudzi’s impact has earned him widespread recognition. In 2019, he was named one of Hollywood’s 35 Rising Executives 35 and Under, and in 2020, he received Adcolour’s prestigious Innovator Award. He also holds a place on Fortune’s 40 Under 40 list, further affirming his influence across business and culture. In 2024, he co-authored Brand Up 2.0: Propel Your Early Career Success, a practical and motivational guide designed to help young professionals—particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds—build confidence, embrace authenticity, and accelerate their careers. His reputation as an expert on Gen Z trends and creator culture has solidified his status as a thought leader in both marketing and equity conversations.
In his talks, Kudzi dives deeply into topics such as equitable representation in the digital age, creating inclusive spaces for marginalised communities, and the role of platforms in driving cultural narratives. His focus on racial equality is not only professional but personal—rooted in his own journey of navigating and succeeding in industries that have not always welcomed diverse identities. With his blend of lived experience, industry expertise, and captivating delivery, Kudzi is hired by companies and organisations seeking an authentic, informed, and inspiring voice on equity, innovation, and leadership.
