CILIP - the library and information association - has announced that the Board of Trustees has appointed Louis Coiffait-Gunn as their new CEO, to lead the organisation as they deliver the ambitions from their five-year strategy and ‘We Are CILIP’ action plan.
Louis’ 20-year career has been guided by his interest in evidence-informed policy, especially in education, R&D, AI, copyright and intellectual policy. His most recent role as the Director of Policy and Public Affairs at the Publishers Association involved direct engagement with governments, politicians and sector organisations to advocate for diverse members’ interests, including on issues such as literacy, school libraries, and public libraries. Louis has experience in a range of settings including government bodies, think tanks, professional associations, universities, and the media.
Louis is passionate about the transformative impact that access to world-class knowledge and information services has on society and is committed to CILIP’s mission and Charter, alongside a strong desire to make a positive difference to CILIP in its next phase of growth and development.
He 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.
Academic librarians were instrumental in Louis’ under- and postgraduate student experiences as a vital source of advice and guidance. And libraries have continued to be places for occasional quiet work and study ever since. In his role as Head of Policy and Adviser to the Vice-Chancellor at London Metropolitan University he worked closely with the library and archive staff, helping to utilise, preserve and promote the fantastic facilities and collections available.
Louis is looking forward to bringing his experience and skills to CILIP, representing and championing the breadth of library, knowledge and information services across all sectors, and promoting the cultural, social and economic impact of their work.
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 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 will join CILIP from 8th May 2024. Until then, Jo Cornish will continue to operate as CILIP’s interim CEO.