Pioneering publisher Margaret Busby named new president of PEN

‘A remarkable, inspiring and distinguished figure’ … Margaret Busby. Photograph: Amanda Benson/BBC Radio 4/PA

Margaret Busby, who was Britain’s first Black female publisher, has been named the new president of English PEN.

The editor, writer, broadcaster and literary critic takes over the role from author and human rights lawyer Philippe Sands. English PEN is one of the world’s oldest human rights organisations and is the founding centre of PEN International, a worldwide writers’ association with 147 centres in more than 100 countries.