Norbury was the founding chief executive of Creative UK, the national membership body for cultural and creative industries

Caroline Norbury is stepping down as chief executive of Creative UK by March 2026, with the recruitment process for a replacement beginning at the end of this month, supported by people advisory firm, GatenbySanderson. Creative UK’s managing director Laura Turner Laing will lead the organisation in the meantime.

Norbury was the founding chief executive when Creative UK was established in 2021 by the merging of Creative England and the Creative Industries Federation.

Since its inception, Creative UK group – now a strong advocacy voice for the screen sector – has invested over £100m into creative SMEs across the UK. It now supports more than 800 creative businesses a year through its programmes, including Create Growth Programme, Creative Enterprise and Filming in England.

Norbury said: “The purpose of establishing Creative UK was to build a sustainable organisation which delivered real impact for the cultural and creative industries. Five years on, I am so proud of our achievements.

“From our advocacy work to our investment strategy and impactful programmes – it has been a privilege to lead an organisation that shouts loudly for change whilst putting our money where our mouth is: connecting creatives to investment, backing brilliant creative talent whilst simultaneously championing the value of the cultural and creative industries to build both economic and social prosperity.”

Belinda Budge, chair of Creative UK, added: “Much like Caroline, Creative UK is one of a kind: driven by purpose and guided by impact. It is Caroline’s expertise, insight and vision as a founding Chief Executive that have made this organisation what it is today – a champion for the sector, and a changemaker for creatives. For that, we are thankful. Caroline is an exceptional leader and will always have our appreciation.”