Dr Paul Bate Appointed as Chief Executive of the British Library

The British Library is has announced the appointment of Dr Paul Bate as its new Chief Executive, succeeding Interim Chief Executive Dr Jeremy Silver. 

Bate, who will take up his new role on November 4, began his career as a particle physicist, and holds an advisory role as Professor in Practice at the University of Surrey Space Institute. From 2021 until 2026, Paul was CEO of the UK Space Agency, and has also held a variety of roles in healthcare including Vice President, Commercial at Babylon Health, and as the Prime Minister's senior policy adviser for health and adult care.

"The Board were particularly impressed by his experience leading complex, research-intensive organisations, fostering innovation and building partnerships, which will be invaluable as we deliver our strategy to strengthen the Library's role as a cultural cornerstone and globally trusted source of knowledge," said Dame Carol Black, Chair of the British Library Board.

Dr Paul Bate said: “The British Library is one of the world's great libraries and a vital part of the UK's cultural and intellectual infrastructure. I am honoured to be leading an organisation of expert professionals that has shared knowledge at its heart, opens up ideas and information to millions of people, and is resiliently overcoming the challenges of recent years. I look forward to strengthening the core services of our national library and ensuring its relevance to researchers' needs and the next generation of users.”