A sequence of trees $(\mathcal{T}_{n})_{n \in \mathbb{N}}$ contains a \emph{persistent hub}, or displays \emph{degree centrality}, if there is a fixed node of maximal degree for all sufficiently large $n \in \mathbb{N}$. We derive sufficient criteria for the emergence of a persistent hub in genealogical trees associated with Crump-Mode-Jagers branching processes with independent waiting times between births of individuals, and sufficient criteria for the non-emergence of a persistent hub. We also derive criteria for uniqueness of these persistent hubs. As an application, we improve results in the literature concerning the emergence of unique persistent hubs in generalised preferential attachment trees, in particular, allowing for cases where there may not be a \emph{Malthusian parameter} associated with the process. The approach we use is mostly self-contained, and does not rely on prior results about Crump-Mode-Jagers branching processes.