Stowell leaves Usborne for Ladybird

Penguin Random House Children's imprint Ladybird is bolstering its publishing team with the hire of Louie Stowell, who moves from Usborne after 12 years.

Stowell, currently senior editor at Usborne, is joining the company on 4th December as editorial director, tasked with building and refreshing UK and international trade titles for the company.

Stowell said: “I’ve had an amazing experience in my twelve years at Usborne but I couldn’t ask for a more exciting new challenge. I’m thrilled to join the team at Ladybird – the creative opportunity of curating a well-loved imprint for a new generation is wonderful. I can’t wait to get started.”

Meanwhile James Stevens has also been appointed as art director for Ladybird Trade, moving internally from the Puffin Picture Book team. Stevens, previously art director at HarperCollins Children’s, will lead the visual direction of the list.

In a joint statement, Shannon Cullen, publishing director for Ladybird, and Anna Billson, art director for Penguin Random House Children’s, said: “This is a very exciting moment for Ladybird Trade – we’re delighted to have Louie’s creativity and talent in our editorial team as we build an exciting front-list and reimagine some of our classic bestsellers. James’s incredible design experience and strategic thinking is going to be a huge asset to this publishing programme. These key appointments will join our successful Education and Licensing teams to bring Ladybird to the widest audience.”

Stevens added: “It’s a huge privilege to be the custodian of such an iconic brand. I’m looking forward to bringing exciting new talent, innovation and creativity to the list.”

Cullen has recently returned from maternity leave. Stowell will join Kate Heald, publisher for Ladybird Education, and Leanne Gill, publisher for Ladybird Licensing, across the imprint, and Rhiannon Findlay, commissioning editor for Trade, will continue to develop the list, reporting to Stowell. Stevens will be recruiting for a designer and a design assistant to join junior designer Megan Davies, and will work alongside Kirstie Billingham, art director for Licensing and Ladybird Education.