Contos and Batten step up in raft of promotions at Orion

Orion has announced a number of promotions across its departments following what it called a record year in 2021. 

The raft of promotions includes those of Philip Contos and Sarah Batten who have been made editorial directors for gift at Laurence King Publishing (LKP) in recognition of their “inventive and creative publishing” and their significant contribution to the publisher’s success in 2021. 

Contos started as a senior editor at Laurence King in 2016, working on titles such as The Visual History of Type and gifts such as Dangerous Experiments for After Dinner. In 2018 he joined the gift team, where he has commissioned titles such as The World of Shakespeare, Poo Bingo, and 299 Dogs and a Cat.

Batten has worked for Laurence King since 2009 and her list now includes bestselling titles such as The World of Jane Austen and Tattoo Tarot. 

In the communications team, Lucy Cameron, who has worked on marketing campaigns for authors such as Michael Connelly and Mari Hannah, has been promoted to marketing manager, while Yadira Da Trindade, who joined the LKP marketing team in 2018 and began working across the Orion imprints in 2021, has also been elevated to senior marketing executive. She has worked on campaigns for the likes of Moth and Around the World in 80 Plants.  

Katie Horrocks has been made head of production for Orion, a role in which she will build on the delivery of quality production services across Orion’s nine imprints and lead the team as the company navigates the major challenges in print, distribution and materials.

Shyam  Kumar is now commissioning editor, with a wider commissioning brief across Trapeze and Seven Dials, while Celia Killen has been promoted to editor. 

Anna Valentine, Orion m.d., said: "After a phenomenal year of publishing that saw Orion have 33 appearances in the Sunday Times chart, I’m delighted to recognise the breadth of talent and innovation within the company through these well-deserved promotions. 

“Each individual has, in their own way, helped to move the business forward with dynamism and flair, delivering amazing results for our authors and illustrators. These promotions are a real source of pride to us all and promise great things for our 30th year and beyond."