Director, Environmental Responsibility & Innovation – Arts Council England

Nicola joined Arts Council England (ACE) in 2018 to lead on Business Innovation and Environmental Responsibility in the Enterprise & Innovation directorate. She has been responsible for supporting business model change in the sector, optimising income streams and developing and promoting alternative investment mechanisms such as social impact loans.

In Spring 2024 Nicola became Director, Environmental Responsibility & Innovation to allow her to fully focus on ACE’s high priority Environmental Responsibility work. With her team Nicola supports the cultural sector through ACE’s Environmental Programme with Julie’s Bicycle and is also responsible for leading on ACE’s own policy, action plan and carbon footprint.

Nicola has spent 30 years working in the creative industries. Prior to joining ACE she was the Head of Publishing, Rights & Images at the National Portrait Gallery London, where she oversaw the Gallery’s award-winning publishing programme, alongside image licensing, merchandise licensing and intellectual property.

Before moving into the public sector Nicola spent 17 years working in rights and licensing at Penguin Children's Books working on iconic brands such as Peter Rabbit, Spot and Ladybird.

In her spare time Nicola is passionate about gardening and is proud to be a trustee at Helmsley Walled Garden in North Yorkshire.