Rizzoli International has announced plans to launch a London-based publishing arm, Rizzoli UK.
Helming the new business is Stephen King, who has been appointed managing director of Rizzoli UK. King was previously managing director of independent publisher Hardie Grant UK.
King will also join the Rizzoli International executive team headed by president and CEO Stefano Peccatori. Also on the executive team are Jennifer Pierson, v-p of global sales, marketing, and operations; Randy Barlow, v-p of finance and administration; and Charles Miers, publisher of all Rizzoli International imprints, who oversees Rizzoli New York, Rizzoli Universe, Rizzoli Electa, and now Rizzoli U.K.
In addition to expanding Rizzoli's presence in the British Isles, Rizzoli UK will develop original titles, which will be published under the Rizzoli Universe imprint. A London-based publishing team will be appointed to work in tandem with publishing staff at Rizzoli's New York Headquarters.
“We are ambitious in growing Rizzoli’s presence in the illustrated book market and the launch of the UK business forms a cornerstone of our growth plans," said Peccatori, in a statement. "We firmly believe in the future of smartly published, beautifully designed books that speak to enduring trends. Stephen has a proven track record in this area and we are delighted to have him leading our U.K. operations.”
