Welbeck appoints Allan and Quarto's Knowles to lead children's books

Alexandra Allan will lead Welbeck Publishing Group's children’s books business with Quarto’s Laura Knowles joining as associate publisher.

Allan, formerly of DK, joined Welbeck, the company set up by Mark Smith and Marcus Leaver, in April as interim group publisher. She will now take on the role permanently.

She said: “I'm delighted to have joined Welbeck at such an exciting time. We have the opportunity to build a market- leading children’s business with the addition of Laura to the exceptional children’s team.”

Knowles is currently group editorial director at the Young Quarto group of imprints and has worked at the firm for more than five years. She will join her former boss Leaver at Welbeck on 2nd September.

She said: “I’m excited to be joining Welbeck and working with Alex and the entire team as we build on our expertise and reputation for making innovative children's books.”.

Ex-Quarto chief executive Leaver, and co-executive director Smith, former c.e.o. at Bonnier's Zaffre division, set up Welbeck in April. They have announced a string of appointments including poaching Zaffre’s marketing and publishing director James Horobin.

Leaver said: “A key part of Welbeck’s future is children’s publishing and we are lucky to have been able to attract such a talented leadership team. Alex has quickly established an excellent rapport with our small but creative team and is a proven creative leader. Further, I am delighted that we can bring Laura to Welbeck. She is a unique creative talent that will flourish at Welbeck.”