Uploaded November 2025 | Updated September 2026, 2 hours ago
Stephen Page, Chair at Faber & Faber in conversation with Nikesh Shukla.
This event explores the dynamic evolution of the publishing and creative industries through the lens of Stephen's extensive experience. It delves into how technological advancements, sector strategies, and leadership approaches are reshaping creative communities, with particular attention to engagement with UK Government through bodies such as the Creative Industries Council and regional growth in cities such as Bristol. The conversation will also address the continued technological developments and their implications for the creative sector; highlighting opportunities for innovation, collaboration, and sustainable leadership in a rapidly changing cultural and economic landscape.
About Stephen
Stephen is Non-Executive Chair of Faber & Faber, one of the worlds leading independent literary publishing houses, where he was Chief Executive from 2001 to 2021.
Stephen grew up in the midlands and studied History at Bristol University. His career in publishing began in bookselling, after a mercifully brief period as the drummer in a rock band. He discovered his love of literature in his early 20s, and worked at Transworld, 4th Estate and HarperCollins in commercial and leadership roles before being appointed to run Faber in 2001.
Stephen also works closely with government and sits on the Creative Industries Council, where the UK Government and the Creative and Cultural sectors work together to seek ways to ensure that these sectors thrive. He also sat on the Creative Growth Task Force, informing the recent Sector Plan for the Creative industries.
He is a visiting Professor at City, University of London, Chaired the social enterprise Creative Access, ensuring that there is access to all Creative Industries for all. He has also recently trained as a business coach runs his own coaching practice.
He remains a drummer in a 90s cover band, The Landline. He is married with two sons and lives in West London. In 2022 he was awarded an OBE for services to publishing.
Stephen Page, Chair at Faber & Faber in conversation with Nikesh Shukla.
This event explores the dynamic evolution of the publishing and creative industries through the lens of Stephen's extensive experience. It delves into how technological advancements, sector strategies, and leadership approaches are reshaping creative communities, with particular attention to engagement with UK Government through bodies such as the Creative Industries Council and regional growth in cities such as Bristol. The conversation will also address the continued technological developments and their implications for the creative sector; highlighting opportunities for innovation, collaboration, and sustainable leadership in a rapidly changing cultural and economic landscape.
About Stephen
Stephen is Non-Executive Chair of Faber & Faber, one of the worlds leading independent literary publishing houses, where he was Chief Executive from 2001 to 2021.
Stephen grew up in the midlands and studied History at Bristol University. His career in publishing began in bookselling, after a mercifully brief period as the drummer in a rock band. He discovered his love of literature in his early 20s, and worked at Transworld, 4th Estate and HarperCollins in commercial and leadership roles before being appointed to run Faber in 2001.
Stephen also works closely with government and sits on the Creative Industries Council, where the UK Government and the Creative and Cultural sectors work together to seek ways to ensure that these sectors thrive. He also sat on the Creative Growth Task Force, informing the recent Sector Plan for the Creative industries.
He is a visiting Professor at City, University of London, Chaired the social enterprise Creative Access, ensuring that there is access to all Creative Industries for all. He has also recently trained as a business coach runs his own coaching practice.
He remains a drummer in a 90s cover band, The Landline. He is married with two sons and lives in West London. In 2022 he was awarded an OBE for services to publishing.
