New Creative Director For Guildford Book Festival

Published on: 25 Apr, 2013
Updated on: 26 Apr, 2013

Jim Parks the new Guildford Book Festival director

The trustees of the Guildford Book Festival have appointed a new director. Jim Parks, who lives in Guildford, will head up the creative directorate.

He takes up his position following the surprising departure of the previous director Glenis Pycraft.

Manisha Thaker, speaking on behalf of the trustees, said of the new director: “Mr Parks is a marketer at heart. He brings to the festival nearly 20 years’ experience of creating memorable events and campaigns throughout the entire entertainment industry, including publishing, film, music and video games.

“Having previously held marketing directorships at world renowned companies including Universal Studios and Sega, he brings a creative yet commercial approach to his new position. He has worked with international brands on advertising, promotion, public relations, sponsorship and events.

“He combines this with an in-depth knowledge of the publishing world and has interviewed and introduced authors at numerous literary festivals throughout the UK.”

It is understood that Mr Parks has lived in Guildford for many years and is reported to be delighted about the prospect of heading up the organisation.

He said: “As a book-loving Guildfordian, I am tremendously excited to join the Guildford Book Festival in this its 24th year of bringing big names in publishing to the town. The prospect of literary geniuses and giants, from all genres and for all ages, coming to our doorstep is absolutely thrilling.

“I am looking forward to developing a bigger and bolder, exhilarating extravaganza of a festival, that everyone will be desperate to be part of. Is it too much to say I want the town to eat, sleep and breathe books?”

Cllr Jennifer Powell, a festival trustee, said, “The trustees are delighted with the appointment and are looking forward to a superb Guildford Book Festival in 2013.”

The departure of the previous director, Glenis Pycraft, following the University of Surrey’s decision to discontinue sponsorship of the festival, proved controversial. Mrs Pycraft made it clear that she would have liked to have continued but had not been asked to do so.

Instead, she was told that she could apply for her old position. Adverts were placed in the national press.

Mrs Pycraft’s deputy, Caroline Ball, went on the record, at the time, to say: “The success of the 2012 festival is a testament to her abilities and I do hope that breaking up what was proving to be a winning team isn’t throwing out the baby with the bathwater. Goodwill is a hard-won asset that quickly dissipates.”

Others, who did not wish to be named, told The Guildford Dragon NEWS that they felt Mrs Pycraft had been poorly treated. They were puzzled as to why she had not been asked to continue.

This year’s Book Festival will take place from October 17 to 26. Log on to www.guildfordbookfestival.co.uk for further details on events, latest news and to join the mailing list for exclusive announcements and offers.