Ransom Publishing appoints Ertle and Timms

Ransom Publishing has appointed Robert Ertle as sales director, with George Timms named editor of its children’s trade list.

Ertle (pictured) will be leading Ransom in handling trade sales, rights and exports. He began his career at Ransom, when the managing director and his sister Jenny Ertle first started the company in 1995. He is now returning to the Ransom board part time, alongside running his own trade company, Rydon Publishing.

Timms will be working on Ransom’s series of biographies of football players and managers, Tales from the Pitch. His previous experience in sports journalism, scouting for Exeter Football Club and his football knowledge will help develop the series.

“I’m delighted to be working at Ransom again at such an exciting time for the company,” said Robert Ertle. “I think there is a real opportunity for Ransom to become even more recognised as one of the leading educational publishers. Ransom has a great team, creating innovative books that play an important role in getting kids and adults reading. I feel privileged to be part of the team that is helping to shape Ransom’s future.”

“I am so pleased to have Robert rejoin us, after a really successful sales career in the book industry,” said managing director Jenny Ertle. “He brings considerable experience of trade sales both at the wholesale end with Gardners Books, and for publishers such as David & Charles and Jessica Kingsley. As my brother he has always taken a keen interest in the company, and I am excited to have him on board at a time when Ransom’s sales are growing in all our channels and we have so many opportunities.”