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Batsford Books appoints James Kellow as m.d. as David Graham steps down
Batsford Books has appointed James Kellow as managing director after David Graham announced he is stepping down from the role, which he has held since 2014. Graham joined Batsford, then part of Pavilion Books, as m.d. in 2014. Over the past decade, he headed the company through many successes, including the Millie Marotta’s colouring books which have sold 10 million copies worldwide, multiple IPG awards, the acquisition of Scala Arts & Heritage Publishers and re-establishing the newly independent Batsford after the acquisition of its parent company Pavilion Books by HarperCollins in 2021.
Kellow starts in October and will be joining the company at Frankfurt Book Fair. Kellow has 30 years of publishing experience in the UK and Australia, acting as marketing director at Fourth Estate, before becoming sales director at Penguin. In 2008, he moved to Australia, becoming c.e.o. of HarperCollins ANZ in 2012 until 2020, when he founded independent publisher Ultimo Press. He was simultaneously president of the Australian Publishers Association until relocating back to the UK in 2023.
Kellow said: "I’m thrilled to be joining the team at Batsford Books. As one of the country’s oldest and most prestigious independent publishing houses, they have made an important contribution to the cultural record, and I look forward to working with everyone on this exciting new stage of evolution, development and growth."
Graham said: "I’ve had a terrific time leading the brilliant team at Batsford over the past ten years. Following the acquisition of Scala and its successful integration into the Batsford family we now have a sound and balanced business set for a secure and prosperous future. I shall miss working with my talented and committed colleagues here but am looking forward to returning to Scotland to develop a range of projects in and around and for the Scottish publishing scene. I am pleased to continue my connection with Batsford as a non-executive director and am delighted to be putting the leadership of the business into the extremely capable hands of James."
Polly Powell, owner of Batsford, said: "I feel very privileged to have worked with David over the years and Scotland’s gain is our loss. I have known and respected James for many years and I am delighted that he is joining us here at Batsford and Scala, two remarkable companies that go from strength to strength."
