Waddington made PRH group sales director as Symons resigns

Rob Waddington has been appointed group sales director for Penguin Random House UK following the resignation of Mike Symons from the role.

Waddington, previously Penguin Random House international sales director, takes overall responsibility for PRH's UK and global sales in his new post.

Tom Weldon, c.e.o., Penguin Random House UK, said: “Rob has a huge amount of UK and international sales experience and a deep understanding of both the retail and publishing industries combined with an exceptional knowledge of our publishing lists.

"He has developed strong, collaborative relationships with our retail partners and, together with his UK and international sales teams, will now work closely with our publishing divisions and customers to find new opportunities for our books."

No reason has been given for Symons' departure and a spokesperson for PRH UK told The Bookseller they would not provide any further information. 

Symons, who was made group sales director (UK and international) in January 2014, declined to comment on his resignation also but told The Bookseller he is "looking to move within the publishing/media industry in the future".

Waddington started his book career as a buyer at Asda before joining Random House in 2003 as a key account manager. He worked his way up to become sales director at Cornerstone, leading the sales team behind the success of E L James’ Fifty Shades trilogy and helping to grow the sales of authors including James Patterson, Robert Harris, Katie Fforde and Kathy Reichs. He was promoted to deputy international sales director in 2012 before taking overall responsibility for Penguin Random House UK’s international sales in July last year.