Today's Read Team 
Emma Lowe Takes the Helm as Director of The London Book Fair
Emma Lowe has been appointed as the new director of The London Book Fair (LBF), following Adam Ridgway’s retirement. Lowe’s role will commence in July 2023, bringing with her extensive experience from across the publishing sector.
Background and Experience
Prior to her appointment, Lowe held significant positions at renowned institutions such as HarperCollins and The Bookseller. She began her career at RX, where she contributed to LBF as the head of sales. From 2014 to 2023, she served as the commercial director at The Bookseller, where she was influential in organizing major industry events, including The British Book Awards and FutureBook, as well as the Marketing & Publicity Conference.
After her tenure at The Bookseller, Lowe transitioned to a role at GlassBoxx as the publishing account director, enhancing collaborations within the publishing field. Most recently, she was the head of events at HarperCollins, overseeing both internal and external corporate events, including participation at LBF and the Frankfurt Book Fair.
The Future of The London Book Fair
Lowe’s appointment comes during a transformative period for The London Book Fair, which has experienced ongoing changes due to the COVID-19 pandemic and renovations at its venue, Olympia. Gareth Rapley, the former director who currently serves as interim portfolio director at RX, expressed confidence in Lowe’s ability to lead the fair successfully moving forward.
“We’re thrilled to have found someone who has the unique combination of experience of RX, knowledge of LBF and a well-rounded understanding of the book industry,” said Rapley.
He added that there is great anticipation regarding how Lowe will apply her in-depth knowledge to ensure that The London Book Fair remains a relevant and thriving event in the publishing industry.
Conclusion
As Emma Lowe prepares to assume her new responsibilities at The London Book Fair, the industry looks forward to her leadership and vision. With her considerable background in managing key events and fostering industry relationships, she is poised to make a significant impact.