Grant to step down as World Book Day director

Kirsten Grant is stepping down as director of World Book Day after almost a decade at the helm.

During her tenure, successful initiatives included the launch of the three-year Share a Story campaign; the nationwide Share a Story Live tour featuring leading authors and illustrators; the introduction of £1 books into every prison in the UK; and major partnerships with household, family and charity brands.

Since 2012 World Book Day has given one in three children receiving school meals the first book they have had of their own. Last year was one of World Book Day‚Äôs most successful years to date, with book token redemptions up 3% to 1.2 million and sales of the £1 books in excess of one million for the third year running, said organisers.

Grant said: "I have decided, after nine wonderful years working on World Book Day, that it is time to take on exciting new challenges. I’m so proud of the progress we have made reimagining the campaign and extending the charity’s reach and message to children and families across the country. I am leaving World Book Day in good hands and great shape and wish c.e.o. Cassie Chadderton and the wider industry all the very best for the next chapter. I have relished my time working on World Book Day, and I am excited about exploring new opportunities."

Grant, who was previously marketing and campaigns director at Puffin Books, will remain at World Book Day until April. Details of her successor are yet to be announced.

Publishers Association c.e.o. and World Book Day chair Stephen Lotinga said: "In her time with World Book Day Kirsten has brought an inventiveness that took the World Book Day campaign to new heights and brought more children and young people to our celebration of books and the power of reading."

World Book Day c.e.o. Cassie Chadderton added: "Kirsten has played a fundamental role in making World Book Day one of the country’s most loved celebrations, after successive campaigns including the inspirational Share a Story. World Book Day will continue to build on this, finding new ways to introduce the benefits of reading for pleasure and the magic of books to even more children and families."