Beaumont-Thomas leaves Waterstones to manage events for RSL

Former Waterstones events manager Rosie Beaumont-Thomas has joined the Royal Society of Literature (RSL) to lead events programming for its 200th anniversary.

She has joined the society, based in London’s Somerset House, after almost three years at Waterstones. She worked initially as events manager at Tottenham Court Road before moving to Waterstones Gower Street, where she developed the literary events programme that was started by Elizabeth Morris. She also worked on many of Waterstones’ flagship and partnership offsite events, including the launches of Margaret Atwood’s The Testaments (Vintage) at Waterstones Piccadilly, and The Secret Commonwealth (Penguin/ David Fickling Books) with Philip Pullman.

Before Waterstones she worked for four years at cultural PR at communications agency Four Colman Getty, where her literary clients included the IPAF (International Prize for Arabic Fiction) and the Man Booker Prize.

"I was so inspired when I met the team at the RSL,” Beaumont-Thomas said. “We share the same values, and I am honoured to be given the opportunity to develop their inclusive, engaging events and outreach programme for their bicentenary year, and beyond."

Molly Rosenberg, RSL director, said: "We’re thrilled that Rosie has joined the RSL as we celebrate our 200th year. Our exciting programme of events look back not only on the history of the RSL but on 200 years of literature, working with some of Britain’s finest contemporary writers to explore our future in literature. Rosie is a brilliant addition to our team and, as events and outreach manager, she will work to bring new audiences to the RSL’s work."