Boris picks creative industries director

London Mayor Boris Johnson has appointed a new director of policy, arts, culture and the creative industries.

Writer, lecturer and broadcaster Munira Mirza has been drafted in for the cultural position.

Mirza is currently developing the training and volunteering strategy at the Tate on an Arts Council cultural leadership placement.

In the role of director she will lead on the implementation of policy relating to the arts, culture and creative industries on behalf of the Mayor.

Johnson says, ‘London is currently the world leader in arts, culture and the creative industries and with Munira’s help I want to ensure that our city retains the top position for years to come.’

Mirza writes and broadcasts about the subjects of race, culture and identity, appearing on BBC2’s Newsnight and speaking on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme.

She has also been a council member on the UK committee of the European Cultural Foundation.