Graham leaves Quarto to rejoin Powell at B T Batsford

David Graham has followed Polly Powell to B T Batsford, where he has been appointed managing director (m.d.). 

He was previously m.d. of Pavilion Books from 2014 to 2021 before taking up the role as chief executive officer (c.e.o.) of Quarto Books UK in March 2021 under then group c.e.o. Powell. He will start his new role at B T Batsford on 4th April. 

Graham said: “While I will be sorry to leave my friends and colleagues at Quarto, coming back to B T Batsford – one of the oldest truly independent publishing houses in in the UK – at this exciting time in its development, is an irresistible opportunity. I can’t wait to start help writing the next chapter in its long and venerable history.” 

Owner Powell, who unexpectedly left Quarto last year, said she was “very pleased" to welcome Graham back. 

Acting m.d. of B T Batsford, Zana Hanks, will become finance and operations director, while Powell will take on the role of publisher at large. 

B T Batsford Ltd was established in 1843. In the last two decades, Batsford has been a part of other publishing companies, most recently under Pavilion Books, which was bought by HarperCollins in December 2021. Batsford, along with the Pitkin imprint, was retained by Pavilion’s founder Powell, forming the standalone privately owned business B T Batsford Ltd.