Pavilion owner Powell joins Quarto in advisor role

Pavilion Books owner and publisher Polly Powell has started working for the Quarto Group as an advisor to its c.e.o. CK Lau.

Powell revealed she had now become chair of Pavilion and was “leaving it in the very capable hands” of m.d. David Graham while she helped shape Quarto’s future.

Her Quarto role will see her advise Lau on the creative direction of the UK publishing business.

She explained: “I have known CK for many years and, when he invited me, I was both deeply flattered and incredibly excited. I have only been with Quarto for a few weeks, but I have already seen a company full of extremely talented people, creating some amazing books. What I hadn’t realised before was the sheer scale of the Quarto international selling operation – second to none.”

Lau added: “Polly will be my guide in steering the future creative direction for our UK-based imprints and spearheading further development in quality publishing that meets the changing demands of the market. Her input will be critical at a time of exciting developments for Quarto.”

The news comes after Pavilion publishing director Katie Cowan announced she was departing in November to go travelling.  Creative director Helen Lewis has now been promoted to publisher of the imprint.