Louis Coiffait-Gunn is the new CEO of CILIP. Louis’ 20-year career has been guided by his interest in evidence-informed policy, especially in education, R&D, AI, copyright and intellectual policy. His most recent role as the Director of Policy and Public Affairs at the Publishers Association involved direct engagement with governments, politicians and sector organisations to advocate for diverse members’ interests, including on issues such as literacy, school libraries, and public libraries. Louis has experience in a range of settings including government bodies, think tanks, professional associations, universities, and the media.
Louis is passionate about the transformative impact that access to world-class knowledge and information services has on society and is committed to CILIP’s mission and Charter, alongside a strong desire to make a positive difference to CILIP in its next phase of growth and development.
He was introduced to public libraries at a young age as his grandmother was a librarian in a neighbouring village. As he recently finished a period of parental leave, he has continued this tradition by taking his baby to storytime at libraries across Hackney.
Academic librarians were instrumental in Louis’ under- and postgraduate student experiences as a vital source of advice and guidance. And libraries have continued to be places for occasional quiet work and study ever since. In his role as Head of Policy and Adviser to the Vice-Chancellor at London Metropolitan University he worked closely with the library and archive staff, helping to utilise, preserve and promote the fantastic facilities and collections available.
