The CILIP Board has appointed Louis Coiffait-Gunn as the charity's new CEO, and Louis will be starting in the new role on Wednesday 8th May 2024.

Louis' career has been guided by his interest in evidence-informed policy, mainly in education.

His work in a range of settings including government, thinktanks, professional associations, universities, and the press.

In Louis' most recent position as Director of Policy and Public Affairs with the Publishers' Association, he engaged with government, parliamentarians and sister organisations on behalf of members in areas closely associated with CILIP's own interests.

Louis Coiffait-Gunn said:

"I am thrilled to have been appointed and promise to do my utmost to champion CILIP members' interests through the political, environmental, and technological changes ahead. Libraries - whatever sector or setting they're in - are much-loved by their communities and deliver an amazing range of public benefits but are navigating a growing range of challenges and opportunities.

"I aim to build on Nick Poole's years of hard work and insightful leadership to ensure CILIP continues to evolve so it can support members and advocate for them on priority issues such as funding, AI, inclusion, and sustainability. I can't wait to start on 8 May, meet the diverse CILIP community and learn how best to deliver for them."

Louis is passionate about the impact that access to world-class knowledge and information services create, and has a clear commitment to CILIP's mission and Charter, alongside a desire to make a positive difference to CILIP in its next phase of growth and development.

CILIP Chair, Kate Robinson said:

"On behalf of the Board of Trustees I am very pleased to welcome Louis to CILIP as our new CEO. He joins us at an optimal time, in a strong position delivering an inspiring strategy with #WeAreCILIP. As we look to the future, I am sure Louis' experience in a range of settings and his interest in policy and education will bring both insight and new opportunities."

Louis was introduced to public libraries at a young age as his grandmother was a librarian in a neighbouring village. As he currently finishes a period of parental leave, he has continued this tradition by taking his baby to storytime at libraries across Hackney.

Connect with Louis on Linkedin and Twitter.