Creative UK has announced that Emily Cloke has been appointed as its new chief executive.
As the national membership body for the cultural and creative industries, Creative UK exists to “champion creativity in its widest form: advocating at national and local government level, investing directly in creative businesses, and providing business growth support through its numerous regional programmes”.
Cloke is described as a global connector and convener, with a deep passion for the cultural and creative industries, a rich background in creative and commercial partnerships, and extensive experience in policy development.
Her career spans diplomacy, law and film production, giving her a “rounded perspective on how creativity drives economic growth and cultural influence”, Creative UK said.
As a UK diplomat, she has worked in the US, Middle East and Europe, and her expertise as a senior civil servant blends policy, trade and investment, commercial and international.
From 2020-2024, she served as His Majesty’s Consul General in Los Angeles, where she championed the UK’s creative industries on the global stage.
Since 2024, Cloke has worked as a senior civil servant in the UK Government’s Department for Business and Trade.
Prior to this, in her position as deputy CEO for the UK-Africa Investment Summit, Cloke worked to unlock strategic partnerships and catalyse investment across Africa. She has held specialist senior roles in UK Government, across trade, business and international, and has served as a senior policy adviser for UK Government Investments.
Commenting on the appointment, Creative UK’s chair, Catherine Mallyon CBE, said: “I am thrilled that Emily will be leading Creative UK through its next exciting chapter.
“A strategic and collaborative leader, Emily’s expertise across the creative industries, diplomacy, policy, and trade mean she is ideally placed to further our goals of increased investment and support for an ever more diverse, sustainable, and thriving cultural and creative sector.
“I am looking forward to working closely with Emily, and the wider Creative UK leadership and team, to continue delivering profound impact for the whole country’s cultural and creative industries.
“Together we will work to extend the impact of Creative UK’s first five years – which saw us invest £31m into creative business, support over 5,200 creative SMEs, and represent 1,500 members.”
Cloke added: “Creative UK is a truly unique organisation: investing in the creative economy while representing the full breadth of the creative industries. I am honoured to be joining as the next chief executive, and look forward to being a champion for its far-reaching membership and network of businesses.
“The Creative Industries is a jewel in the UK’s crown – worth £125bn to the economy, and underpinned by incredible talent. From advertising to architecture, fashion to film – the sector is a growth driver, which is prime for even more investment on the back of the Industrial Strategy.
“Creative UK’s convening power, networks and track record all lay a solid foundation for us to keep advocating for the growth of the sector – and I look forward to working with partners, Catherine and the Board, and the organisation’s talented team, to continue this important work.”
