Middleton appointed head of marketing for Penguin Live

Penguin Random House's inhouse live events team, Penguin Live, has appointed Zoe Middleton from the Wellcome Collection to be its head of marketing. 

Middleton will start in the newly-created role on 29th May, reporting to Chloë Johnson-Hill, director of Penguin Live. 

She joins from Wellcome Collection where she has worked on a wide variety of initiatives, including leading the marketing and communications for the Wellcome Book Prize, overseeing campaigns for Wellcome Collection exhibitions and books and working on the promotion of a live programme of events. 

Among Penguin Live's highlights of 2017 were events with Tom Hanks at the London Literature Festival, astronaut Tim Peake at the Barbican and Simon Sinek and Reggie Yates in conversation at the Union Chapel. 

In 2018 Penguin Live boasts a programme that includes Caitlin Moran’s six-date tour marking the publication of her new novel How To Be Famous, Michael Palin bringing the HMS Erebus back to life at the RGS, tech guru Jamie Bartlett discussing How the Internet is Killing Democracy, and bestselling author Marian Keyes on Talking Books, Talking Life, Just Talking. 

It will also see the expansion of Penguin Pride, a multi-arts event blending literature, poetry and music in three cities including London and partner with Yellow Jersey Press to celebrate 20 years of sports publishing with a star-studded event at the Hackney Empire: Yellow Jersey Live: Who Is The Greatest Cyclist Of All Time? 

Johnson-Hill said: “I’m delighted that Zoe will be joining the team at Penguin Live ahead of what promises to be a brilliant summer of live events across the country. I can’t wait for her to bring her energy, ideas and marketing expertise to Penguin Live’s events, and believe that her appointment will ensure success for Penguin Live in 2018 and beyond.” 

Middleton said: “I am thrilled to be joining Penguin Live as they look to expand their programme, reaching an even broader audience. With such a diverse range of events and an incredible list of authors, it will be a privilege to work with the team. I can’t wait to get started.”