CILIP appoints Louis Coiffait-Gunn as c.e.o

The Chartered Institute of Library & Information Professionals (CILIP) has appointed Louis Coiffait-Gunn as c.e.o.

Coiffait-Gunn joins CILIP from the Publishers Association, where he is director of policy and public affairs. He succeeds Nick Poole, whose departure was announced in November. Jo Cornish, who stepped in as interim c.e.o in February, will continue in her post until Coiffait-Gunn takes over.

According to CILIP, Coiffait-Gunn is “passionate about the transformative impact that access to world-class knowledge and information services has on society” and “committed to CILIP’s mission and charter”. Previously 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”.

CILIP chair Kate Robinson said of the appointment: “On behalf of the board of trustees I am very pleased to welcome Louis to CILIP as our new c.e.o. 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.”

Coiffait-Gunn added: “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, meet the diverse CILIP community and learn how best to deliver for them”.