Luck joins Bonnier Zaffre as brand director

Gina Luck is joining Bonnier Zaffre in the newly-appointed role of brand director, working with authors Lynda La Plante and Wilbur Smith.

Luck joins Bonnier Zaffre from Penguin Random House where she was brand director for James Patterson for the past five years. Prior to joining Penguin Random House, Luck was at Little, Brown, where she was brand manager for Stephenie Meyer.

The move to Bonnier Zaffre, which Luck described "too tempting to resist", follows the news reported last week Bonnier Zaffre poached author Wilbur Smith from HarperCollins in an eight-figure deal. He signed with Bonnier Zaffre to publish eight new co-written titles, the first of which publishes in 2018, and Bonnier Publishing has said it is preparing for "significant growth" in the UK.

In the strategic new role, Luck will work closely with all departments at Bonnier Zaffre, coordinating the publishing, sales and marketing efforts across the Lynda La Plante and Wilbur Smith brands. Luck will be tasked with ensuring clear communication of Bonnier Zaffre’s strategy and planning across UK and international territories. 

She will report into James Horobin, executive director – sales and marketing, starting on 11th September.

Horobin said: "In 2018 we launch two new Wilbur Smith hardcover books and relaunch 34 backlist titles in paperback and e-book. For the first time, Lynda La Plante will publish two new hardcover books in the same year and we relaunch Widows to tie in with the big budget Hollywood movie directed by Steve McQueen. This activity requires a great deal of focus to deliver the right results and Gina’s appointment comes as we start a new growth phase at Bonnier Zaffre. Gina’s invaluable experience will help the team take Lynda La Plante and Wilbur Smith sales to even greater heights in UK and International markets."

Luck said: "I’ve really enjoyed my time at Cornerstone. It’s been a privilege to work on such a huge brand author and with such talented colleagues. But I’ve been really impressed with what Bonnier Zaffre has achieved in the last couple of years, and the opportunity to join such a dynamic team at this exciting time in their development is just too tempting to resist."