HarperCollins Children’s Books hires Tonks as editorial director of heritage brands

HarperCollins Children’s Books has hired Holly Tonks as editorial director of heritage brands, reporting to Juliet Matthews, publisher for picture books, heritage and media brands.

Holly Tonks began her career at The Agency before moving into editorial at Penguin Random House, Tate and Simon & Schuster. She has also been a lecturer in publishing at City, University of London.

She will join HarperCollins in May 2023 and take the editorial lead on classics including Paddington, Dr Seuss, The Tiger Who Came to Tea, Mog the Forgetful Cat, Percy the Park Keeper and Brambly Hedge.

Tonks said: “I’m absolutely delighted to have the opportunity to work on the heritage brands list at HarperCollins – a list I have long admired for its iconic characters, reputation and prestige. I’m excited to work alongside Juliet and the passionate team to ensure that these books remain much-loved pillars of the children’s publishing industry for many generations to come.”

Matthews commented: “I am so pleased to be welcoming Holly to the team at HarperCollins Children’s Books; she brings with her a wealth of experience working on classic brands as well as a wonderfully creative mind-set. We have exciting plans for growth and innovation on all our heritage brands over the next few years and Holly will be instrumental in helping us achieve them.”