Penguin Random House U.K. Opens Kids’ Division

Penguin Random House U.K. is creating one, combined children's division, following the two publishers’ merger in late 2012.

"We passionately believe in children's publishing and plan to invest significantly in this area over the next few years. We are determined to capture the readers of tomorrow,” says Tom Weldon, chief executive officer, Penguin Random House U.K.

“We believe that having one really brilliant and dynamic children's division will allow us to compete even more effectively on behalf of all our authors, illustrators and licensing partners for the attention of young readers in an environment which now offers them an unlimited choice of entertainment and information."

Francesca Dow, currently managing director of Penguin Children's, will take on the new role of managing director of Penguin Random House U.K. Children's with responsibility for all publishing from Penguin Children's and Random House Children's Publishers.

Philippa Dickinson, currently managing director of Random House Children's Publishers, will take on the new role of consultant children's publisher with editorial responsibility for key projects and authors. She plans to retire in 2015.

"Before the Penguin Random House merger, I had been discussing succession plans to help me fulfill my desire to retire in 2015, so I am delighted to now be welcoming Francesca into her new role with the creation of the new children's division,” says Dickinson. “Combining the teams' complementary strengths will create a vibrant future, rich with opportunities for our authors and our readers. I am looking forward to playing a part in the future success of children's publishing at Penguin Random House."