HC Children’s promotes Denwood, appoints Brathwaite

HarperCollins Children’s Books has promoted Rachel Denwood to publisher and appointed Val Brathwaite from Bloomsbury to the newly created role of creative director.

Denwood (pictured), who takes on her new job with immediate effect, is moving up from her previous job of publishing and creative director. She will lead the editorial team, focusing on acquisition and taking a “creative approach” to long-term author development.

Brathwaite is joining from Bloomsbury Children’s Books, where she was responsible for the design of the Harry Potter re-launch with Jonny Duddle jackets, and will concentrate on creative development with Denwood and the marketing team at HarperCollins. She will also lead the design team, working with children’s art director Nia Roberts.

Executive publisher Ann-Janine Murtagh said: “HarperCollins Children’s books prides itself on delivering best in class editorial, design and marketing for all our authors. Rachel acquires books with real passion and leads a committed editorial team. I’m delighted she is stepping up to this well-deserved promotion. Val brings years of invaluable experience and an international reputation for world-class design.

“These new appointments mark the next phase in our exciting future growth plans. We now look forward to yet another extraordinary year of great publishing for HarperCollins Children’s Books.”