By Amy Joan Sayner and Georgia Appleyard
Since 1884, the Society of Authors has been speaking out for and advising writers, illustrators, and literary translators at all stages of their careers. They are currently the UK’s largest publishing trade union, and they have been at the forefront of many successful campaigns for authors’ rights, including the protection of copyright and the introduction of The Public Lending Right.
In October 2023, Chief Executive Nicola Solomon announced that she will be retiring from the role in April 2024 after thirteen years. On 9 January, it was announced that the current Chief Operations Officer, Anna Ganley, will take over from Solomon as Chief Executive.
Commenting on the announcement, Solomon stated, “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 Society of Authors and its members shone through, together with her intelligence, competence, compassion, and vision. We have worked together on modernising the Society of Authors and providing a better experience for members and empowering all authors. Anna has worked with great versatility and success in several roles as the Society of Authors’ needs changed and I’m sure she’ll be a brilliant Chief Executive.”
Ganley began working at the Society of Authors in 2005, and through her career she has gained a wealth of experience as Office Manager, Events Manager, Website Manager, and Head of Staff before becoming Chief Operations Officer in 2022. On top of her Chief Operations role, Ganley is the coordinator of the Authors Living with Disabilities and Chronic Illnesses Network. On behalf of the SoA, Ganley also works as part of Creative UK’s Diversity Leaders’ Forum and Camden Council’s Inclusive Business Network. In her new role, she will work with the board of directors to agree on the Society of Authors’ priorities and goals and implement strategies to achieve them.
In response to the announcement of Ganley’s new role, Management Committee Chair Joanne Harris said, “I'm delighted to see Anna Ganley take on the helm of the Society of Authors. 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 Chief Executive, and I look forward to seeing her make the role her own.”