Ukie CEO Nick Poole appointed Honorary Professor at UofG
Published: 19 May 2025
UofG has announced the appointment of Nick Poole, CEO of Ukie (UK Interactive Entertainment), as an Honorary Professor of Digital Culture within the School of Humanities
The University of Glasgow has announced the appointment of Nick Poole, CEO of Ukie (UK Interactive Entertainment), as an Honorary Professor of Digital Culture within the School of Humanities.
The role will see Poole working across the College of Arts and Humanities to support teaching, research and policy development on digital culture, consumer behaviour and the role of technology in shaping creative expression. His remit will include contributing insight on digital literacy, emerging technologies, and the intersections between public policy, skills and the digital economy.
Nick Poole is a seasoned leader in the cultural and information sectors. Before joining Ukie as CEO in 2023, he led the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals (CILIP) from 2015 to 2024, transforming it into a proactive, campaigning voice for libraries and information professionals across the UK.
During his tenure, Poole championed initiatives such as the #FactsMatter campaign and the Green Libraries Partnership, driving forward diversity, inclusion, and professional development. His significant contributions to the arts, libraries, and museums were recognised with an OBE in the King’s Birthday Honours List in 2024.
Poole’s role at Glasgow offers a new platform to connect academic insight with industry and policy, helping to build the case for investment in the sectors that are shaping the future of the UK economy. The collaboration builds on Ukie’s strategic priorities, including its current work with OKRE (Opening Knowledge across Research and Entertainment) to develop a new framework for valuing the commercial, cultural and social impact of video games.
Nick Poole, commenting on the appointment, said: “I am honoured to join the University of Glasgow as an Honorary Professor and excited to deepen the dialogue between academia, industry and government. Glasgow has a long and proud tradition of progressive thinking in the humanities, and its work at the intersection of information, culture and society is more relevant than ever. This is a unique opportunity to explore how video games and other digital media shape public policy, education and our shared cultural life.”
“At Ukie, we're passionate about unlocking the full value of the UK’s creative technology sectors ,not only commercially, but socially and culturally. I’m particularly looking forward to supporting the next generation of researchers and students as they explore the transformative potential of play, participation and digital creativity.”
The University of Glasgow has a strong reputation for research into digital culture, public policy and the societal impact of technology, areas that are increasingly relevant to the growth and influence of the video games sector. With Scotland’s rich history of creativity and game development, Glasgow is a fitting base for new thinking about the role of interactive media in the UK’s digital future.
Dr David McMenemy, Reader in Information Studies at Glasgow, added: “Nick brings a wealth of industry leadership and policy experience to our community. His appointment reflects the University’s ambition to bridge the gap between research and real-world impact, particularly in areas like digital culture and the creative economy. We are delighted to welcome him into our academic family.”
The partnership will also serve as a platform for knowledge exchange, connecting Glasgow’s academic research with leaders across the games industry, tech sector, and cultural policymaking.
Poole is expected to take part in guest lectures, industry roundtables and collaborative research, while advising on how digital skills and cultural understanding can better prepare students for careers in the UK’s booming creative sectors.
Ukie (UK Interactive Entertainment)
Ukie (UK Interactive Entertainment)is the trade body for the UK’s games and interactive entertainment industry, representing developers, publishers, service companies, and esports organisations across the sector.
Representing over 700 games businesses, Ukie’s mission is to supercharge the growth and success of the UK games industry by championing its contribution to culture, society, and the economy on a global stage.
First published: 19 May 2025