Tina Persaud joins Laurence King as editorial director

Tina Persaud joined Laurence King (The Orion Publishing Group) as editorial director at the end of April, reporting to publishing director Elen Jones. She is commissioning across the list, with a particular focus on art and practical art books.

Until January this year, Persaud led the publishing at Batsford, formerly an imprint of Pavilion. In her two decades at the company, she was the publisher of illustrator and author Millie Marotta, commissioned several award-winning books, and built up the National Trust list. Persaud was named Editor of the Year 2016 at the British Book Awards.

Jones said: "I am delighted to welcome such an experienced, talented and prolific publisher to Laurence King and Orion. Within only a few weeks Tina is already having a big impact. She has excellent commissioning taste and a great energy, we’re very excited about the future of the list."

Persaud added: "I have always admired, even coveted, the Laurence King books and it is a joy to be here to help drive the list forward. Its DNA of ground-breaking, innovative and striking books, married with the muscle of Orion, is a great combination, and I couldn’t resist the opportunity to be part of the team."