Alexa is our new Chair

Alexa von Hirschberg, Publishing Director of Weidenfeld & Nicolson (Orion) has joined the Writing Squad board as our new chair. Alexa, who has been shadowing our previous chair Sophie O’Neill for the last three months says: ‘I first became aware of Steve Dearden and the Writing Squad nearly a decade ago and was struck by the clarity and integrity of their vision, and the sheer quality of their writers. It is a unique organisation that has become, over two decades, a vibrant community and the professional results speak for themselves. Steve is a dedicated and inspirational leader, and I could not be prouder to be joining the Squad at this moment in its story. I passionately believe in the importance of organisations like the Writing Squad and I look forward to supporting their work.’
 
Outgoing Chair Sophie O’Neill, Managing Director at MVB Books UK, says: ‘Although I am sad to be resigning as chair of the Writing Squad board, I could not be happier to be passing on the role to Alexa von Hirschberg. Alexa has collaborated with us in the past, organising a packed-out writer showcase for us in London. She understands the organisation and is passionate about promoting new writers and writing. I know Alexa will be great support to the Squad team and a strong advocate for the Squad and its writers.’

Alexa joins a board made up of writing professionals and Squad writers. Director Steve Dearden says: ‘This is a perfect appointment for us as Alexa embodies both what we do well, developing writers, and what we want to do better, promoting them to the mainstream and commercial sectors.’