Creative UK founding leader to leave for ‘new ventures’

CAROLINE NORBURY is to put her “energy” into new projects, as she steps back from her role as chief executive of Creative UK.

Norbury, who has led the organisation since its foundation in 2021, will depart by March next year, with managing director LAURA TURNER LAING filling her role while recruitment for a permanent successor takes place.

Born from the merger between Creative England and the Creative Industries Federation, Creative UK is an independent network of creative industry professionals and organisations, committed to advocating for and investing in the sector, as well as expanding collaboration.

Norbury said it had been a “privilege to lead an organisation that shouts loudly for change”, commenting: “The purpose of establishing Creative UK was to build a sustainable organisation which delivered real impact for the cultural and creative industries. Five years on, I am so proud of our achievements.”

“With a highly skilled senior leadership team in place – and an exceptional board to back them – I am looking forward to putting my energy into new ventures and stepping back, knowing that Creative UK will only go from strength to strength in the future,” she added.

“I will always be a passionate cheerleader for the UK’s creative sector, and I am looking forward to supporting a new leader take this wonderful, impactful organisation to its next stage.”

Advisory firm GatenbySanderson will assist Creative UK in finding its next chief executive, with advertising to begin later this month.