Roger Priddy to retire as publisher of Priddy Books

Roger Priddy is to retire from his role as publisher of Priddy Books, an imprint of Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group. 

He will step down on 30th June 2024, but continue to work with Priddy Books as an author and consultant. 

Priddy Books was founded in 2000 with the aim “to educate children through engaging, informative and brilliantly designed books”. The Priddy Books and Neon Squids teams are both based in the UK, though they are imprints of the US-based Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group. UK-based Macmillan Children’s Books handles sales and distribution for both imprints in the UK as well as Priddy’s global rights sales, excluding North America, as well as UK trade sales and retail-focused marketing. 

“For the past four decades Roger has been at the forefront of children’s publishing. Since founding Priddy Books, his unique brilliance, creativity, and genuine passion for early childhood learning has fundamentally changed how books are published for young children around the world,” said Macmillan c.e.o. Jon Yaged. “I consider myself fortunate to have worked with Roger the past 13 years and wish him joy and happiness always. I know my colleagues across Macmillan feel the same.” 

Both imprints will now be helmed by Sally Poulson as managing director and Sam Priddy as publisher. Sam Priddy will report to Poulson, and Poulson will report to Allison Verost, senior vice-president and publisher at Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group. Joanne Clark will move into the role of creative director, reporting to Sam Priddy. Fiona Macdonald will take on the role of publishing director, Neon Squid, reporting jointly to Poulson and Sam Priddy. 

“Roger Priddy has left an indelible impact on the world of children’s publishing with Priddy Books,” said Verost. “I am thrilled to continue working with Sally and Sam and their entire team to build on Roger’s legacy of creating groundbreaking, innovative, and incredible books that bring the joy of learning to countless more young minds." 

Proddy said: “After 40 years of making children’s books, it’s time for me to try something new. Maybe I’ll re-train as a patisserie chef, or become an acrobat—who knows? One thing for sure is that I’ll be sitting down with the grandkids and reading some books.  

“It’s time for the next talented team to take over at Priddy Books, which has always been a creative hub of people and ideas. I for one will be looking forward to seeing what they come up with next. I’d also like to thank my friends at Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group for letting me have such a blast being a publisher for so long, I couldn’t have chosen a better group to have gone on this journey with.”