Emma Grundy Haigh joins Avon as editorial director

Emma Grundy Haigh has been appointed editorial director at Avon. She joins from Joffe Books, where she was also editorial director, having been shortlisted for the 2024 British Book Award for Editor of the Year.

Grundy Haigh commences her new role on 24th June and will be responsible for managing the editorial team alongside Avon publisher Helen Huthwaite, helping to steer the division’s overarching editorial strategy.

Huthwaite said: “I couldn’t be more delighted to welcome Emma to the Avon team. I have long admired her skills as a commercial publisher from afar, and I know that she will bring the passion, tenacity and acumen that she is deservedly known for to her new role as editorial director at Avon. It’s abundantly clear what an impact she has had at Joffe Books during her time there, and I have no doubt that she will be making waves at Avon in no time at all too – I can’t wait to see what she does!”

Grundy Haigh commented: “I am thrilled to be joining Avon. I’ve adored reading so many of their authors for years and long admired their unabashedly commercial publishing. I’m so excited to join the absolute powerhouse that is Helen Huthwaite and the rest of the Avon team to help them grow and develop their already brilliant list.

“It’s never easy to leave behind something you love, and my five years at Joffe Books have been a gift. I have worked with and learned from some of the best people in the industry, especially Jasper Joffe, who has been an extraordinary mentor, and I am incredibly proud of everything we have achieved. I am going to miss them all tremendously. But I know I will be leaving all my authors in the best possible hands and I am looking forward to beginning this new chapter.”

Joffe Books’ publisher Jasper Joffe added: “Emma was one of our first people at Joffe Books. She has given so much and been at my side building the company with her amazing energy and compassion. Highlights include her founding the Joffe Books Prize and transforming the Choc Lit list. It’s been a joy to work with her. So it’s with both pride and sadness that I see her move on to Avon after five years with us. But the pride and good wishes and gratitude outweigh everything. I can’t wait to see what she does next.”