Blake Friedmann’s Dixon succeeds Mackenzie as Book Trade Charity president

M.d. and head of books at the Blake Friedmann Literary Agency Isobel Dixon has succeeded former Little, Brown c.e.o Ursula Mackenzie as president of The Book Trade Charity. 

The Book Trade Charity is the welfare charity of the book trade, providing financial support and accommodation for people who working in the UK book trade, in publishing, distribution or bookselling. The charity offers welfare grants for those in the trade for more than one year, plus a programme supporting new and potential entrants to the trade with grants and housing.

Until January 2022 Dixon was president of the Association of Authors’ Agents and she has served as a trustee on the board of the Book Trade Charity since 2017. Her accession to president was confirmed at the organisation’s spring meeting of trustees last week. 

She said: “I was privileged to begin my publishing career with the late, great Carole Blake, who was not just a brilliant agent, but passionate about supporting the Book Trade Charity. She was a trustee and president for many years, and I’m honoured to follow on from her and excellent presidents such as David Young and Ursula Mackenzie and to continue to help develop the vital work that the charity’s team are doing, as both springboard and safety net for individuals right across the book trade. 

“We want to help bring more people of all backgrounds into the industry, and to offer timely assistance where needed at any stage of that journey and hope that many more people will join us in this endeavour.” 

Mackenzie confirmed that she will be stepping into a new role, joining the newly established ambassadors group for The Book Trade Charity. The Ambassadors will have a focused remit to support the president in raising vital funds and profile for the charity, which is now in its 185th year. 

Vic Perry, chief executive of The Book Trade Charity, said: “As colleagues across the trade face spiralling living costs we are welcoming our new president and mobilising our ambassadors group to significantly increase the support we are able to offer colleagues facing crisis. 

“Isobel is a brilliant, committed colleague of strong conviction, and I can’t wait to work with her. There has never been a better time for those who love the world of books to support The Book Trade Charity – each new supporter can help us to change lives, put food on tables and keep the lights on for colleagues facing hardship.” 

“I would like to thank Ursula for her tireless work as president during our largest ever capital appeal. We are delighted that she will continue her support as an ambassador.”