It is with great sadness that we have learned of the recent death of Dr Alastair Niven.

Alastair served as Associate Director for Education at IBBC for several years shortly after the Council was established in 2009. He initiated IBBC’s education work, which has since become one of our most significant membership streams.

He was introduced to IBBC by his close friend, Baroness Nicholson, during his time as Principal of Cumberland Lodge. Upon leaving the Lodge, he accepted the Baroness’s invitation to join the IBBC team and worked alongside Christophe in the London office.

Alastair had a distinguished career as Director of the Africa Centre, Director of the Arts Council, and Principal of Cumberland Lodge. He served twice as a judge for the Booker Prize, was elected President of English PEN, and published numerous books and newspaper articles.

More importantly, he was a deeply valued individual, admired by all who knew him, with an extraordinary network of friends. He remained connected to IBBC and regularly attended our London receptions with his wife, Helen.

Alastair will be greatly missed. He was a kind and remarkable man—and a friend.