Hughes to succeed Gribble as chief executive of National Centre for Writing

National Centre for Writing (NCW) has announced Peggy Hughes as its new chief executive officer, stepping up from her current role as executive director from 25th September 2023.

She succeeds Chris Gribble, who will step down from his role in September after 17 years to join The Forum Trust as c.e.o.

Hughes was appointed executive director at NCW in January 2022 after four years as head of programmes. She comes from Northern Ireland, went to university in Scotland, and stayed to spend her formative years in literature organisations there, including the Edinburgh International Book Festival and the Edinburgh UNESCO City of Literature Trust.

Her various trustee roles include being current co-chair of StAnza: Scotland’s International Poetry Festival, and former chair of Literature Alliance Scotland. She was recently made an Honorary Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature for her significant contribution to the advancement of literature.

Hughes, who in the role will lead on future plans for Norwich as England’s first Unesco City of Literature, said: “I’m thrilled to be appointed as the new c.e.o. of National Centre for Writing. NCW is a unique proposition — a literature house rooted in our medieval home in Norwich Unesco City of Literature and open to the world, supported by an incredible set of funders, partners and friends.

“It’s an honour to build on Chris Gribble’s exceptional and pioneering tenure, and a genuine joy to be able to lead our wonderful team into the next chapter. I can’t wait to open our doors wide to new opportunities and adventures in writing, translating and reading for all our artists, communities and audiences, working together to build an NCW that is fit for the future and open to all.”

Alan Waters, chair of the board at NCW, said: “After a highly competitive process, the board and our stakeholders are very pleased that Peggy Hughes has been appointed to the c.e.o. role at National Centre for Writing.

“While acknowledging all we’ve achieved as an organisation in recent years, Peggy has a strong vision of her own and the experience and skills to make it a reality over the coming years. Peggy excels at making and sustaining partnerships and with experience across higher education, festivals, libraries and venues, she’s in a great position to lead us into the next chapter of our story.”

Gribble commented: “I’m delighted that Peggy will be NCW’s new leader. After leading our recent capital project to open new spaces within Dragon Hall, heading up the NPO application process and developing our new Community Advisory Board, she is in a great position to bring her energy and new ideas to our physical and digital communities locally, nationally and internationally. Peggy has strong local knowledge backed by national and international experience and is a born collaborator.”