Bonnier Books UK has today announced two key promotions within its children’s division, with Ruth Bennett and Ella Whiddett both stepping up to new roles.
Previously senior commissioning editor, Ruth Bennett has been promoted to editorial director. She will focus on Piccadilly Press while continuing to commission for Hot Key Books.
Ella Whiddett rises from editor to commissioning editor, commissioning across both Piccadilly Press and Hot Key Books, with a focus on young fiction series and YA titles.
Emma Matthewson, executive publisher, Piccadilly Press and Hot Key Books said: “Ruth and Ella arrived in Autumn 2021, whilst we were still mid Covid and lockdowns. Despite this challenging situation, both Ruth and Ella have fired on all cylinders from day one, working brilliantly with the inhouse teams whilst acquiring high quality fiction, from young fiction to YA, at pace. Ruth’s highlight titles already include the high energy Max Magic series from Stephen Mulhern and Tom Easton and the hotly contested acquisition of Peregrine Quinn and the Cosmic Realm by Ash Bond, scheduled as a major launch for 2024; whilst Ella’s acquisitions include the topically important YA title The Sharp Edge of Silence as well as the deliciously scary Shiver Point middle grade horror series publishing this autumn. I am very much looking forward to both Ruth’s steering hand on Piccadilly Press and the exciting commissioning to come from both Ruth and Ella for Hot Key Books and Piccadilly Press.”
Ruth Bennett said: “I’m so proud to be part of Bonnier Books UK at such an exciting time for the company. The entire team is creative, supportive and ambitious for our authors and their books. Piccadilly Press is the home of incredible authors like Andy Shepherd, whose much-loved Dragons books have become firm favourites with children worldwide, and the multi-award-winning Maisie Chan, and I am excited to bring even more child-focused and diverse publishing to the list, inspiring children to become readers and book lovers for life!”
Ella Whiddett added: “I feel incredibly lucky to be part of the Hot Key and Piccadilly Press teams, and love working with such talented authors and creative colleagues. I’m so excited to continue developing our children’s fiction lists in my new role and bring more brilliant stories to our readers.”
Both have begun their new roles and report directly into Emma Matthewson.
