Julia Posen steps down from Walker Books

Julia Posen, executive vice president and commercial director at the Walker Books Group, is stepping down after eight years with the company to pursue new opportunities.

Posen joined Walker in 2010 to oversee the marketing and PR teams and led commercial and promotional activity for brands such as ‘Guess How Much I Love You?’ and ‘Where’s Wally?’ and authors including Helen Oxenbury and Anthony Horowitz.

She later set up the in-house licensing division and was a director of Walker Productions, serving as executive producer on the animated adaptation of "We’re Going on a Bear Hunt", screened on Channel 4 in 2016.

Posen decided to step down from her current role to pursue new opportunities within the international marketplace, said Walker Books.

“It’s been a privilege to work with Walker’s incredible publishing, brand and licensing teams, and the extraordinarily talented authors and illustrators behind the beautiful books on the list,” said Posen. “The job has enabled me to work with many wonderful production, licensing and retail partners on projects that have been a pleasure to be part of. After eight years at Walker I’m ready for a new challenge and the opportunity to explore new partnerships across all areas of an industry I love.”

Walker Books c.e.o. Karen Lotz added: “I am full of admiration for Julia, and grateful for the lasting contribution she has made to the Walker Books Group across our marketing and brand development, TV production and licensing efforts. She has a rare understanding of both the creative and the commercial aspects of the licensed publishing and broadcast industries, and a vision for how they work together at their best.  Her excellent managerial skills, intelligence, diligence and broad industry experience will be very much missed, and I hope that someday soon we will have the opportunity to work together again.”