Washington – This Warner Music / Blavatnik Music Business Center exist Howard University Howard alumni announced today Tarek Brooks (BA, ’97), President and Comb Enterprise, as its first resident executive officer for the fall 2022 semester. In this role, Brooks will serve as a mentor to the center’s 20 fellows as he looks to empower the next generation of cultural leaders. Combs Enterprises is a portfolio of game-changing companies founded by Sean “Diddy” Combs to inspire greatness, celebrate excellence and build lasting impact.
“I am honored to be working with the Warner Music/Blavatnick Center to help prepare Howard students for careers in music and entertainment,” said Brooks. “My goal is to accelerate the trajectory of the trainees in the program, as Howard and my mentors have done for me.”
Each semester, a different music business director will serve as the center’s resident director.Brooks will be on campus Howard University School of Business, at least once a month, to talk to students interested in working in the music industry. For students admitted to the Center’s scholarship program, Brooks will provide personal guidance and help secure employment after graduation.
“What a blessing to have Mr. Brooks joining us this semester to mentor the next generation of music business professionals. It is very important for our students to have the opportunity to learn directly from industry experts, especially Howard alumni. Tarik’s many years of industry experience and The wealth of knowledge will definitely be a huge inspiration for our students.” young jasminedirector of the Warner Music/Blavatnik Music Business Center.
Brooks is a seasoned executive with over 22 years of experience driving large-scale business transformation across multiple industries including hospitality, spirits and media. As President of Combs Enterprises, Brooks oversees all business operations and investments owned by Sean “Diddy” Combs. This diverse portfolio includes CirocVodka, DeLeon Tequila, REVOLT TV, Bad Boy Records, Love Records, Sean John, AquaHydrate, Capital Preparatory Schools and many more. Brooks oversees Sean Combs’ investment strategy and leads the development of all new businesses. Combs invests in companies whose mission is aligned with Combs Enterprises, including 13 Lune and REC Philly. Brooks also led the launch of Our Fair Share, a platform that helps minority businesses access capital through the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP).
Before joining Combs Enterprises, Brooks was Chief Operating Officer of the Account Management and Trading Division of Bridgewater Associates, a global investment management firm with approximately $160 billion under management. He also served as Executive Vice President of RLJ Companies, led by legendary investor Robert L. Johnson, where he led the development of several businesses including the Caribbean gaming/nightlife venture and the completion of RLJ Kendeja, Monrovia, Liberia Vacation hotel.
He is a graduate of Howard University and Harvard Business School.
On October 20, 2022 at 11 am, the center will be at Blackburn Centre Ballroom. The reception will celebrate music icons and legends graduating from Howard. Brooks will be in attendance and honored at the reception.Also present Young MasterJay-Z’s chief engineer and Director of Music Technology, Entrepreneurship and Production Program at ROC Academy of Music, Sports and Entertainment, Julian Pettyexecutive vice president of Warner Musicmembers of the Blavatnik family and Board member of the Blavatnik Family Foundation Social Justice Fund.
About Howard University
Founded in 1867, Howard University is a private research university consisting of 13 schools and colleges. Students take more than 140 courses of study leading to undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees. The university is committed to excellence in truth and service and has produced one Schwarzman, three Marshall Scholars, four Rhodes Scholars, 12 Truman Scholars, 25 Pickering Fellows, and more than 165 Fulbright Fellows recipient. Howard has also produced more African-American Ph.D.s on campus. More than any other university in the United States. For more information about Howard University, visit www.howard.edu.
Comb Enterprise
Combs Enterprises is a business and portfolio established and nurtured by music legend and entrepreneur Sean Love Combs Aka Diddy. Combs Enterprises was established in 2013 and its brands include Bad Boy Entertainment, Sean John, Combs Wine & Spirits (Cîroc Vodka and DeLeon Tequila), AQUAhydrate, Janice Combs Publishing, REVOLT Films and REVOLT MEDIA & TV, Shop Circulate, Our Fare Share, Capital Prep Charter School and Sean Combs Foundation. Combs Enterprises is known around the world for its award-winning market-defining success in music, fashion, fragrance, spirits, marketing, film, television, media and more
Media Contact:
Howard University: Brittany Bailer; brittany.bailer@howard.edu
Comb companies: Christy Welder cwelder@fullpic.com