Cowen takes reins at The Ampersand Agency

Jamie Cowen is taking over from Peter Buckman as managing director of The Ampersand Agency. As of this year, Cowen (pictured) will handle the day-to-day running of the company.

The UK-based literary agency was founded by Buckman in 2003 with the late Peter Janson-Smith and represents authors of commercial and literary fiction and non-fiction, as well as books for children.

Buckman becomes chairman and will continue to look after his list of clients as well as playing an active role in the company’s business. Both Cowen and Buckman remain available for submissions.

Buckman said: "I feel a bit like a father walking his daughter up the aisle, entrusting her to someone who undoubtedly loves her, even if he treats her differently. Having been in the business for just under 60 years as a publisher, writer, and agent, I’m delighted to take a step back, which will give me more time to concentrate on my authors, and also do a bit more writing. I am totally confident that, with my colleagues Jamie and Anne-Marie Doulton, the agency will go from strength to strength."

Cowen said: "I am in equal measures daunted and proud to be taking on this role. Peter has founded and built a small, selective and very successful agency which punches significantly above its weight, and I will do my best to ensure Ampersand continues to thrive in the years to come."