The Board of Directors of the Association of Canadian Publishers (ACP) is pleased to announce the appointment of Jack Illingworth as the association’s next Executive Director. Illingworth will join ACP March 1, 2023.
Illingworth began his career in publishing at The Porcupine’s Quill and his appointment marks a return to ACP, where he served as Projects Manager from 2005-2008, and as Marketing and Technology Consultant until 2009. After serving as Executive Director of the Literary Press Group of Canada from 2009-2013, Illingworth moved to the role of Literature Officer at the Ontario Arts Council, where he currently oversees its full range of programs supporting Ontario’s English-language writing and publishing sector.
“Jack’s combined knowledge and experience makes him an ideal candidate. Jack not only knows many of our members, but he is also deeply dedicated to the work we do. He brings a broad understanding of the publishing industry and a steady hand to his position at the ACP, along with the skills and vision to work with publishers as we face the future,” said Ruth Linka, ACP President. “We look forward to welcoming him back to ACP.”
Illingworth will work closely with outgoing Executive Director Kate Edwards through the month of March, to ensure a smooth transition on key ACP projects and files. Edwards leaves the association after 15 years of service in various roles, including Executive Director, a position she has held since 2015.
“The ACP board and membership thanks Kate for her many contributions to the association. It cannot be overstated how important her dedication to ACP members has been as we have faced marketplace changes, ownership transitions, pandemic challenges and more. Kate has been the centre that held us together as an industry and she has brought commitment and creative thinking at every turn,” said Linka. “We are very sad she is leaving, but wish Kate every success in her next chapter.”