Joanne Harris re-elected unanimously as chair of Society of Authors board

1 March 2022

Author of Chocolat stands unopposed for second two-year term as chair of the SoA’s management committee

Photograph © Kyte Photography

The novelist Joanne Harris has been re-elected chair of the Society of Authors’ management committee – the SoA’s member-elected board of directors and charity trustees – at their January 2022 meeting.

She served as chair from January 2020 and stood unopposed for re-election for a second two-year term. The vote was unanimous in favour of Joanne’s continued tenure, with no abstentions.

The management committee meet six times a year to govern the direction of the SoA. Twelve elected members, alongside the chairs of professional groups – including the Translators Association and the Children’s Writers & Illustrators Group – are responsible for setting the strategy and policies of the organisation. The management committee elects a new chair from among its number every two years. Members can serve as chair for a maximum of two terms.

Joanne Harris commented on her re-appointment:

I'm delighted to have been re-elected unanimously to the Management Committee of the SOA. There's so much to do for our members this year, and I'm happy to have the chance to be working again on their behalf with the help of our excellent and principled SoA staff, and our thoughtful, enthusiastic Committee.

Management committee member Vanessa Fox O’Loughlin (aka crime writer Sam Blake) said:

Joanne is a phenomenal chair, and I'm delighted she is continuing into a second term. Continuity is key in the current shifting landscape - Joanne's wide experience, and steady and balanced hand will be essential as we navigate our way out of this pandemic, with the very many challenges it has presented to authors.

SoA chief executive Nicola Solomon said:

Joanne’s leadership over the past two years has been invaluable. Authors have faced some of the most trying times imaginable during the pandemic, but her knowledge, experience and empathetic approach have helped us navigate through this period, to adapt our practices, and to keep delivering for our members. She is well respected by the management committee, authors and SoA staff alike. I look forward to working with her closely for another two years.