Gowlett joins as global m.d. of YMU, Dixon moves up to UK m.d.

Briony Gowlett is to join the talent business YMU as global managing director of its literary division, with agent Anna Dixon promoted to UK managing director. It follows the announced departure of Amanda Harris, who is leaving to set up her own agency.

Gowlett moves from Hachette UK division Octopus, where she most recently launched the non-fiction imprint Radar. Before that she held positions at Simon & Schuster, Hodder & Stoughton, Random House and Penguin. She has published Sunday Times bestsellers, among them James Middleton, Denise Welch, Zoë and Joe Sugg, Robson Green, Adam Hills, Emma Gannon and actors Sam Heughan and Graham McTavish.

Gowlett said of the move: "I’m thrilled to join YMU and channel my 18 years of publishing experience into a new challenge. Helping people uncover and share unique stories has always been my greatest joy, and now I have the opportunity to do that from the very start of the process. YMU’s reputation is formidable, and to work with talented colleagues like Anna, Millie and Elise to further the agency’s success is a unique and exciting opportunity."

Dixon will step up as UK m.d. as part of the literary division’s growth strategy, working alongside Gowlett to sign new talent and build upon YMU’s bestselling track record. Dixon joined YMU in November 2021 and has represented Sunday Times bestsellers Rob Rinder and Julia Bradbury. Dixon said: “I’m looking forward to continuing to deliver quality projects with writers from all over the entertainment industry, while supporting our clients and publishing partners across the world in reaching bestselling success."

Mary Bekhait, c.e.o. of YMU, said: “I’m really thrilled to welcome someone of Briony’s calibre and experience to lead YMU’s literary division—her success, over the past two decades, working with some of the biggest non-fiction authors in the UK and leading an imprint of bestsellers speaks for itself. Our clients have always understood the importance and value of books and have enjoyed huge successes over the past few years."

Of Dixon’s move, she added: "She has been, rightly, named a Bookseller Rising Star this year, and her brilliant editorial instincts, commercial acumen and strategic thinking has contributed hugely to our clients’ literary success."

Bekhait also thanked Harris for her "excellent contribution" to the business. News of Harris’ departure dropped unexpectedly during the summer, with her next venture not yet announced.

YMU has represented Davina McCall, Fearne Cotton, Matt Lucas, Ant and Dec, Dr Julie Smith, Graham Norton, Stacey Solomon, Tom Daley, Bored of Lunch and Jake Humphrey.