HarperCollins promotes Barrett to audio publishing director

Fionnuala Barrett has been promoted to audio publishing director at HarperCollins, effective immediately. 

Barrett was previously editorial director for audio at the publisher. In addition to running the audio list for HarperFiction, HarperNonFiction, One More Chapter, HarperNorth and Harper Ireland, Barrett will take on responsibility for overseeing the entire adult and Farshore audio publishing programme.

Senior audio editor for Fourth Estate and William Collins Jess Barnfield, senior audio editor for HQ Mills & Boon and Farshore Rebecca Fortuin and audio assistant Jamal Hassan will now report to Barrett. Charlotte Brown has now also been promoted from assistant audio editor to audio editor.

Jo Surman, group digital director, will continue to run the business side of HarperCollins audio and Barrett will continue to report jointly to her and Roger Cazalet. 

Surman said: "Becoming audio publishing director is the natural progression for Fionnuala who has demonstrated dedication, hard-work, passion and innovation over the last five years in the audio team. Not only has she delivered her extensive audio programme and supported and nurtured the team, she has also worked on a variety of big projects to improve, develop and expand the audio business. Even during the pandemic, Fionnuala somehow delivered on the biggest project she’s ever worked on: Andy Serkis recording The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings audio books was a huge undertaking with a huge 30 days in the studio, all in a Covid-safe socially distanced manner. The end product speaks for itself, the authoritative recordings for a whole new generation which have been at the top of HC’s Audible sales list ever since."