Penguin Ventures, the Penguin Random House Children’s licensing team, has appointed Zoe Smith as senior category manager, U.K. softlines. 

“I am thrilled to be joining the team at Penguin Ventures and to be working on such beloved, timeless brands,” says Zoe Smith. “I have huge affection for these brands both professionally and personally, and I cannot wait to work with the amazing licensing partners, drawing on my previous experience, to further expand the already well-established business in the U.K.” 

Smith will report to David Sprei, commercial director, Penguin Ventures, and will be responsible for the U.K. softlines business across the Ventures’ portfolio of literary children’s brands, including The World of Peter Rabbit, The World of The Snowman, Flower Fairies and Spot. 

“Zoe has a wealth of experience and is a softlines specialist, respected by peers and licensees and knows the U.K. preschool market incredibly well,” says David Sprei. “Across her previous licensing and retail roles, Zoe has developed a phenomenal grasp of the category and joins Ventures to drive further growth across new and existing partners for such an important area of the business. I’m delighted that Zoe arrives ahead of BLE and I’m excited for everyone to meet her there, in her new role.” 

Related:Cath Kidston, The World of Peter Rabbit Collab During 120th Anniversary

Penguin Ventures is exhibiting at Brand Licensing Europe 2022. Find out more info here.