From Mortal Kombat to Hogwarts Legacy, WB Games is an industry legend known for producing iconic and captivating gaming experience– all thanks to our employees that help bring them to life. From our game designers to marketers, Khaheem McKenzie is responsible for sourcing the gaming industry's top talent to join the WB Games team. Hear from WBD's TA Lead for WB Games, from advice he shares to prospective candidates to lookbacks at diversity-focused recruitment events.

Q: Working in Talent Acquisition, how have you been able to maximize your impact across the games industry at Warner Bros. Discovery? What does your role entail?

A: I build hiring strategies to deliver talent, externally and internally, for all products and functions across our AAA and Free-To-Play UK studios, TT Games, Rocksteady, and TT Odyssey. From uncovering global talent insights and market intelligence to nurturing diverse robust talent pipelines and sourcing strategies, I have the privilege of leading a small yet impactful Talent Acquisition team that oversees the entire recruitment experience. We enhance cost-efficiency, improve time to hire, and bring innovation and quality assurance to talent strategy and delivery.

Each day, I'm inspired by the creativity, craft, and brilliance of the people I work with here at WB Games, from studio leadership to our extended Talent Acquisition team in the U.S. and Montreal, to our local Diversity Outreach plus People and Culture teams. Being data-driven and conscious allows us to Act as One Team and make decisions that are best for WBD overall.

Q: Being present at AfroTech last year and Black Tech Fest this year - two conferences serving the community of Black technologists - what did you find most memorable about the conversations you had with attendees? How did this shift or enhance your perspective on engaging Black technologists as a TA Lead for WB Games?

A: It is inspiring to see the collective effort towards making the industry more inclusive for everyone. Even more inspiring is seeing so many companies tackling a challenge we're all aware of in the tech and games industry - the lack of diversity and representation. Conferences such as AfroTech and Black Tech Fest champion inclusion which supports our efforts to continue to pursue equity globally. This was a great reminder to not be afraid to switch up the narrative, apply a different lens, and lead with intent so that our work is both impactful and purposeful. Our unique experiences and voices are our superpowers. WB games recognizes that Black talent extends far beyond the borders of the U.S. and UK.

Q: From Mortal Kombat to Hogwarts Legacy, WB games has been known for producing top performing games in a competitive gaming landscape. With a growing affinity for the games business, what do you find most intriguing and unique about WBD's role in the gaming space?

A: We empower storytelling, as we put creators, consumers, and partners at the center, and share extraordinary stories. Our position could help set new industry standards on how storytelling IPs are extended into gaming, especially as other major media companies look to create immersive experiences for their audiences.

Q: As a TA Lead for WB Games, how have you seen the appetite for games shift for consumers and how has this informed your hiring strategy to meet those demands across our teams?

A: I've observed several key shifts in consumer appetite over recent years that have shaped our hiring strategies. Consumers are increasingly drawn to in-game communities and inclusive experiences, and these demands have directly influenced how we innovate and focus on future hiring needs.

Q: In honor of Black History Month UK and as a recruitment expert, what advice would you give to up-and-coming Black professionals looking to dive deeper into a role in gaming? What have you learned from your own experiences?

A: Generally, one of the best ways to learn and grow is through practical experiences. Simply, taking on projects in your own time. Begin with small projects to build your technical skills, and always remember that documentation is crucial. Create and maintain your portfolio; it's just as important as your CV and can serve as the "front window" to your own professional shop. By highlighting your skills and experiences, you allow others to learn more about you. Finally, get to know people. Don't be shy about reaching out to someone you might not know or work directly with. Different cultures bring different perspectives on how to problem solve. Remember, there is always more than one way to solve a problem.