Gloria Bailey Wins London Book Fair 2025 Lifetime Achievement Award

The London Book Fair has named Gloria Bailey, MBE, associate director for export services at the Publishers Association, the recipient of its Lifetime Achievement Award for 2025. In a statement, the fair called Bailey’s work “instrumental in facilitating U.K. publishers' international growth” through coordinating export services and administering funding for the Publishers Association’s trade show access program, helping numerous small publishers access global markets through such international fairs as those in Beijing, Bologna, Frankfurt, Shanghai, and Sharjah. 

“Gloria's influence extends well beyond logistical support: she is highly regarded for her professionalism, grace, and calm demeanor, as well as deep knowledge, exceptional work ethic, and personable nature—making her a central figure in the publishing community,” the fair said, in a statement. “Dedicating over 40 years to supporting publishers across the globe, Gloria has played a pivotal role in helping businesses of all sizes and specialisms thrive within the industry.”

Previous winners of the award include Elsevier’s YS Chi in 2024, Bloomsbury’s Nigel Newton in 2020, Sage Publishing’s Sara Miller McCune in 2018, and Knopf’s Sonny Mehta in 2011. Bailey will be presented with her award at a reception during this year’s London Book Fair, at 5:30pm on Wednesday, March 12, on the main stage.