Senior editor leaves YUPL as consultation process ends

A senior editor is the latest to leave Yale University Press London (YUPL) following a reorganisation.

The Bookseller understands that Emily Lees, a senior editor, has left YUPL to work for the Paul Mellon Centre for Studies in British Art, an educational charity which partners with YUPL in a move separate to the consultation process. A spokesperson for YUPL confirmed Lees had left the company but declined to give any reason for her departure.

Her move follows a spate of redundancies at the publisher, which has now finished a consultation process following a reorganisation of the press. YUPL has also confirmed the redundancy of art publisher Sally Salvesen now its consultation process has come to an end. She will leave the press on 1st September. The Bookseller reported earlier this month that Salvesen was set to depart the company along with Gillian Malpass, publisher for art and architecture at YUPL, who was made redundant in June, but YUPL could not confirm that at the time. Salvesen has been at the company for almost 24 years and Malpass for over 30 years.

Altogether five people have been made redundant at the press as it bids to "modernise and position itself for growth, reflecting changes in the industry at large".

At the same time, Mark Eastment, former publishing director of V&A Publishing, has been hired by YUPL in the newly-created role of editorial director for art and architecture and Julian Loose, former publisher at Faber, is to join the company as editorial director for trade and academic in October.

A spokesperson for YUPL said the “comprehensive reorganisation” was designed to "modernise and reinvigorate our entire operation, secure our financial stability and position YUPL for growth".

The publisher added: "The restructuring of roles and departments means that some positions have changed substantially and following an extensive consultation process with staff unfortunately a small number of roles have become redundant.

“Sally is known throughout the art historical and architecture worlds for her exemplary professionalism, and exceptional publishing skills. In partnership with museums and galleries worldwide, she has also seen countless complex and prestigious projects through to award-winning conclusions.”

Earlier this month, a letter sent to the senior management of Yale University Press condemning the redundancies of Malpass and Salvesen was signed by more than 320 academics from 77 universities and 30 museums and institutions across nine countries. The letter argued that the loss of Malpass and Salvesen would have the "gravest impact" on YUPL's art list which is the "cornerstone of Yale University Press' reputation".

However, in response YUPL m.d Heather McCallum and John Donatich, director of Yale University Press, have said "nothing could be further from the truth".