Halligan appointed Ladybird publishing director

Katherine Halligan has been appointed publishing director for Ladybird, taking over the role left by Shannon Cullen.

Halligan is a specialist in children’s non-fiction, novelty and picture books who has held previous roles at Nosy Crow, Scholastic and Campbell Books. Starting her role on 11th July, she will report to PRH Children’s m.d. Francesca Dow.

Her appointment follows the departure of former publishing director Cullen, who left to join Quarto as group publisher for children’s trade.

Dow said: "Katherine’s sophisticated approach to market opportunity and her energy for new ideas for young children is joyous. We are ambitious for Ladybird to grow and dominate in the preschool category — making growing up the best story ever — and Katherine shares that vision and ambition. I’m very excited for all of us to be working with her."

Halligan added: "I am deeply honoured to be entrusted with the immense responsibility of leading a list of such an incredible legacy. I am hugely excited to be tasked with growing and further enriching the offering of this amazing and much beloved brand. With such a talented team around me, I know we are going to achieve great things together."