7 July 2021

Today the Association of Photographers has announced that current Chief Executive Office, Seamus McGibbon will be stepping down as Chief Executive Office in the Autumn.

Seamus has led the organisation since 2014 when he took over as General Manager before becoming Executive Director in 2016 and CEO in 2020. Over his time at the AOP Seamus has steered the AOP through many changes including relaunching the AOP Awards and for the last 18months he has guided the organisation and its members through the Covid 19 emergency with commitment and passion.

“It is with a heavy heart that we say farewell to Seamus who has served the AOP brilliantly over the past seven years.  We were immensely grateful that he agreed to stay on as CEO last year while the photography industry and the AOP faced unprecedented difficulties. His passionate support for our members and exceptional leadership of the AOP team will be sorely missed. While Seamus goes on to his next adventure, he leaves the AOP in great shape as it continues to be the leading voice in the creative imaging sector. The AOP Board and Members wish Seamus the very best for the future.”
Anne Mannion, Chair, AOP

“Like all good things, I have decided that my time here at the AOP must come to an end. I have enjoyed the last seven years’ immensely with all the challenges that it has presented and the amazing people it has offered. AOP members are the most amazing creative people I have met. A huge thanks to AOP Chairs Anne Mannion, James Vellacott and Steve Knight who have been a fantastic support and to the AOP staff team, who do such an amazing job making the seemingly impossible, possible. Now as restrictions are lifted and we return to our new normality it is time for someone else to lead this amazing organisation. The future lies this way”
Seamus McGibbon, current CEO, AOP