The British Library is one of the world’s greatest research libraries and a global leader in knowledge, culture and learning. Home to more than 170 million items spanning manuscripts, books, digital collections, newspapers, sound and moving image, patents and the UK web archive, we are the custodian of the nation’s intellectual heritage and a major cultural institution serving millions of people each year.
We are now seeking an exceptional individual to become our next Chief Executive. This is a rare opportunity to lead a national institution of global significance, shaping its future at a time of technological transformation, renewed ambition and evolving public expectations.
The Role
As Chief Executive, you will provide strategic leadership and effective operational management across a complex, multidisciplinary organisation of approximately 1,600 colleagues. You will drive forward our Knowledge Matters 2023–2030 strategy, ensuring the Library continues to open up its vast collection for research, inspiration and enjoyment.
You will lead the modernisation of our services, strengthening digital capability, enhancing our infrastructure across St Pancras and Boston Spa, and supporting continued innovation in access, learning, culture and digital scholarship. You will oversee and steer the major expansion of the Library’s iconic London headquarters due to open in 2031.
You will represent the Library nationally and internationally, strengthening relationships with government, research partners, cultural institutions, donors, and the wider global library community, and strengthening our national and international profile through effective stakeholder engagement, advocacy and partnerships.
We are looking for someone who brings significant senior leadership experience at organisational scale, ideally in a complex public, cultural or knowledge‑based setting, alongside strong financial and operational management skills, a track record in digital transformation, and the ability to navigate an evolving information landscape.
Excellent communication, advocacy and relationship‑building skills are essential, as well as a commitment to public purpose, access, research, learning and inclusion. Confidence working with diverse stakeholders, experience in leading change and managing risk, and a strong dedication to equality, diversity and inclusion, sustainability and the Library’s decarbonisation agenda will be key to success in this role.
All applications are being handled by our executive search partners at GatenbySanderson. For an informal and confidential conversation, please contact Lead Consultant, Emily Nevins, and Researcher, Emma French, via britishlibrary.ceo@gatenbysanderson.com.
The British Library values and celebrates diversity. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds who share our commitment to public purpose, inclusion and widening access to knowledge.
Closing Date: Monday 13th April 2026
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