Sanjee de Silva joins Sweet Cherry

Leicester-based indie Sweet Cherry has appointed Sanjee de Silva to the role of publisher, following the announcement that publisher and sales director Lara Clift is leaving the company to pursue new opportunities.

Effective immediately, de Silva will report to children's press m.d. Abdul Thadha and work closely with managing editor Cecilia Bennett on its list.

De Silva has a background in retail management and experience in purchasing around Europe. He said: “I am passionate about people and look forward to championing new voices in publishing as well as introducing childhood classics to a new generation.”

Sweet Cherry’s team has grown throughout the pandemic, with 13 new employees across its design, editorial, sales and operations in just over a year. Thadha added: “It gives me great pride to build and diversify publishing in the Midlands. I am pleased to build our growing team, from recent graduates to industry professionals, with a range of skills and experiences. Each member of the team has something different to offer and that makes for a terrific workforce.”