Abrams made director of Jewish Book Week

Journalist and TV researcher Hester Abrams has been appointed to the role of director of literary festival Jewish Book Week.

Abrams, a former Reuters staffer who most recently worked on BBC2 period drama "The Hour", will take over the post in March when current incumbent Geraldine D'Amico stands down.

D'Amico has directed the festival since 2005, and will oversee its transfer to a new home in King's Place for this February's event. She said: “I feel I have taken the festival as far as I could and I have enjoyed every minute of it. I am delighted to hand over the baton to Hester whom I greatly esteem. I am sure the festival will thrive under her guidance.”

Abrams said she was "honoured" to succeed D'Amico and added: "My task will be to explore the riches of Jewish writing with the festival’s wonderfully loyal audience, as well as with new visitors in coming years."

Gail Sandler and Lucy Silver, co-chairs of the Jewish Book Council, which hosts the festival, described D'Amico's contribution as "quite remarkable", saying: “The seven years under her direction have been extraordinarily productive and the festival now holds an incomparable position in the Jewish Arts calendar and a significant profile in London’s cultural scene."