The Anglo-Albanian Association is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr Andi Hoxhaj OBE as its new Chair, effective February 2026

Dr Hoxhaj brings to the role a distinguished record of academic leadership, public service, and a longstanding commitment to strengthening relations between the United Kingdom and Albania. A law lecturer at King’s College London, he has also advised Parliament, government, and non-governmental organisations on matters relating to the Albanian community and UK–Albania relations. In recognition of his contribution to fostering bilateral ties, Dr Hoxhaj was awarded, Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (OBE) by His Majesty The King in 2024.

His appointment followed a formal recruitment process initiated after the former Chair Stephen Nash stepped down, who led the Association with great distinction from 2012 to 2025. The Board expresses its deep appreciation for Mr Nash’s longstanding service and achievements, particularly in developing the Association’s events and outreach.The Board is confident that Dr Hoxhaj’s expertise, leadership, and vision will guide the Association into a dynamic new phase of activity and engagement. A transition period is currently underway to ensure continuity and support as he assumes full responsibilities from February 2026.

Founded in 1912, the Anglo-Albanian Association has been at the heart of Albanian life in the UK for over a hundred years.

The Anglo-Albanian Association (AAA) holds regular talks on Albanian history, culture and music, book launches and screenings of Albanian films.

We also provide information to members on a range of Albania-related events and developments. This includes an e-newsletter, the Gazette, which is currently published three times a year and contains a wide range of articles about all aspects of Albanian life and culture.

The Anglo-Albanian Association (AAA) evolved from a committee established in 1912 by Aubrey Herbert, the renowned diplomat, scholar and MP. His aim was to champion Albania’s right to independence.

Edith Durham was an early active participant and Secretary of the Association. She won acclaim as a foreign correspondent, writer, traveller, and anthropologist of the Balkans.

After the First World War, the Association monitored events in the Balkans and was an important channel through which news from Albania was conveyed to the British Government and general public. After the Second World War its prime concern was for the fate of exiles from Enver Hoxha's Albania. Since the collapse of the Communist regime in 1991, and the advent of democracy, the Association has renewed its links with Albania.

The Association celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2012 with a series of centenary events and has continued with a rich programme of events, including two major Scanderbeg events, one at Pembroke College in Cambridge in 2016, and one on 16 November 2018, at the British Academy in London.