The Society of Authors has today (9 January) announced that Anna Ganley will take over from Nicola Solomon as Chief Executive (CE).

Anna, who is currently Chief Operations Officer at the SoA, will start her new role in April when current CE Nicola Solomon retires.
Nicola announced that she was leaving the role in October 2023, after 13 years.

Commenting on the announcement, Nicola said:

I am so thrilled to hear that Anna Ganley is to be my successor as Chief Executive of the Society of Authors.

From the first time I met Anna, her passion for the SoA and its members shone through, together with her intelligence, competence, compassion and vision.

I said to a colleague at that time Anna is fabulous; it’s just a shame we can’t clone her! And I’ve seen no reason to change that opinion. We have worked together on modernising the SoA and providing a better experience for members and empowering all authors. Anna has worked with great versatility and success in several roles as the SoA’s needs changed and I’m sure she’ll be a brilliant Chief Executive. I look forward to watching the SoA go from strength to strength under her leadership.

Anna began working at the SoA in 2005 as maternity cover, and has worked as Office Manager, Events Manager, Website Manager and Head of Staff before becoming Chief Operations Officer in 2022.

Speaking of her appointment, Anna said:

Working with Nicola over the last 12 years has been energising and inspiring for me personally, and together with the staff team and members we’ve transformed the SoA into the modern organisation it is today. As CE, I look forward to rising to the challenges ahead, advocating on behalf of authors. In partnership with our brilliant staff team and experienced board, we’ll continue to collaborate with industry partners to protect the rights of authors, represent their interests and empower them to earn a living income on fair terms.

Anna is the current coordinator of the Authors’ Living with Disabilities and Chronic Illnesses (ADCI) Network and, on behalf of the SoA, she works as part of Creative UK’s Diversity Leaders’ Forum and Camden Council’s Inclusive Business Network.

In her new role, Anna will work with the Management Committee (the SoA’s board of directors), comprised of authors elected by and from the membership, to agree the SoA’s priorities and goals, and to implement strategies to achieve these aims.

Commenting on the announcement, Management Committee Chair Joanne Harris said:

I’m delighted to see Anna Ganley take on the helm of the SoA. Anna’s drive, empathy, enthusiasm, and commitment to authors’ rights have been at the heart of the organisation for years. She will make a tremendous CE, and I look forward to seeing her make the role her own.