Creative UK has appointed Emily Cloke as its new Chief Executive.
Until 2024, Cloke was Consul General in Los Angeles, where she promoted the UK creative industries globally.
She will take over from Caroline Norbury in May.
“I am thrilled that Emily has been appointed as the new Chief Executive of Creative UK,” said outgoing CEO, Norbury.
“Her experience and skills – spanning policy, creative industries and trade – make her an ideal candidate to connect the dots between investment and advocacy. I look forward to being a champion for her as she steps into the role of champion for the sector, supported by a fantastic team and strong network.”
Creative UK is the national organisation for the creative and cultural industries, with its Northern base at MediaCity.
Cloke started her career as a lawyer in the City of London and as a diplomat was Deputy CEO for the PM’s UK-Africa Investment Summit. She worked as Trade Director for the British Embassy Tehran, setting up and leading the UK’s trade section following the re-opening of the British Embassy in 2015, and as Head of Trade at the British Embassy Sweden.
She also advised on the creation of the world’s first Green Investment Bank.
After leaving Los Angeles in 2024, she was a senior civil servant in the UK Government’s Department for Business and Trade.
“Creative UK is a truly unique organisation: investing in the creative economy while representing the full breadth of the creative industries. I am honoured to be joining as the next Chief Executive, and look forward to being a champion for its far-reaching membership and network of businesses,” she explained.
“The Creative Industries is a jewel in the UK’s crown – worth £125bn to the economy, and underpinned by incredible talent. From advertising to architecture, fashion to film – the sector is a growth driver, which is prime for even more investment on the back of the Industrial Strategy. Creative UK’s convening power, networks and track record all lay a solid foundation for us to keep advocating for the growth of the sector – and I look forward to working with partners, Catherine and the Board, and the organisation’s talented team, to continue this important work.”
Norbury departs at the end of March, and MD Laura Turner Laing will lead the organisation until Cloke takes over in May.
“I am thrilled that Emily will be leading Creative UK through its next exciting chapter. A strategic and collaborative leader, Emily’s expertise across the creative industries, diplomacy, policy, and trade mean she is ideally placed to further our goals of increased investment and support for an ever more diverse, sustainable, and thriving cultural and creative sector,” explained Creative UK’s Chair, Catherine Mallyon CBE.
“I am looking forward to working closely with Emily, and the wider Creative UK leadership and team, to continue delivering profound impact for the whole country’s cultural and creative industries. Together we will work to extend the impact of Creative UK’s first five years – which saw us invest £31m into creative business, support over 5,200 creative SMEs, and represent 1,500 members.”
