Writing East Midlands Appoints Aimee Wilkinson as New CEO

Writing East Midlands is delighted to announce the appointment of Aimee Wilkinson as CEO from October 2026.

Aimee has twenty years of experience working in the cultural sector, building a wealth of experience of community arts practice across project management, programming, fund raising and evaluation, and a specialist knowledge of literature development.  Most recently, Aimee worked as Relationship Manager, Engagement and Communities at Arts Council England, where she supported a portfolio of arts and cultural organisations, advised on funding, engagement and creative health, and assessed investment applications.  Prior to this, Aimee was Head of Creative Programmes at the National Justice Museum, where she led the strategic development and delivery of an ambitious programme of exhibitions, commissions and community partnerships, embedding inclusive creative practice across the organisation. She returns to WEM to build on a previous thirteen fruitful years working within the team progressing from Administrative Assistant to Head of Artistic Development, with an involvement in, or leading many of the organisation’s formative projects.

Aimee will succeed the founding CEO Henderson Mullin, who retires to build an academic life after eighteen years in the role.

Henderson Mullin said: “WEM has been a lovely and fantastic thing in my life. I’m so proud that it has been able to help so many people meet their needs and ambitions, and the way we have sailed often choppy seas. Now I’m beyond pleased that Aimee Wilkinson will travel in her own direction. She was integral to our development over many years, and will bring new ideas, energy, commitment, and integrity at a time when these things are at a premium. I wish her, and WEM, my very best.”

Aimee Wilkinson said: “Writing East Midlands has shaped both my career and my values, so it is an enormous honour to return as Chief Executive.

For many years the organisation has championed writers, creativity and communities across the East Midlands, and I know first-hand the life changing difference its work makes. I am excited to build on Henderson’s inspiring legacy, working with such a talented team, Board, writers and partners to ensure Writing East Midlands continues to be a national leader in literature development.

I believe that writing has the power to connect people, amplify unheard voices, reflect society, improve our wellbeing and inspire change. I am looking forward to leading an organisation whose values I know so well, and to working with colleagues across the region and beyond to ensure that access to excellent writing really is for everybody, everywhere.”

Martin Molloy O.B.E, Chair of the WEM Board, said:  “It is with great sadness that WEM bids farewell to Henderson. He has been an outstanding CEO for the organisation and a friend, mentor and support to the many writers, colleagues and members of the Arts/Cultural sector who have had the privilege of engaging with him during his time in office. Without his skills and commitment, WEM would not be the undoubted success that it is today.

Henderson’s departure creates an opportunity for a new CEO to lead WEM with a fresh vision and appetite to meet the challenges that will inevitably lie ahead. The Board and Team at WEM are pleased to welcome Aimee as that new CEO, and very much look forward to her applying her skills and knowledge to take WEM on to the next stage of its exciting journey.”