U.K.-based Watkins Media group had a strong 2020, with a 10% increase in global revenue, driven in part by increased U.S. and international sales of backlist titles, as well as the first full year of sales of audiobooks and the Watkins Academy, an online learning platform.
The group, which includes the Watkins, Nourish, Angry Robot, and Repeater book imprints, focuses on personal development and mind-body-spirit books. Bestsellers for last year included Ben Aldridge's Being Uncomfortable: 43 Weird & Wonderful Ways to Build a Strong Resilient Mindset and F*cked At 40: Life Beyond Suburbia, Monogamy And Stretch Marks by Tova Leigh, among other titles.
The company recently announced several promotions. Vicky Hartley has been promoted to deputy managing director; she was previously sales and marketing director. Fiona Robertson has been named to publisher at Watkins and Nourish. Also at Watkins and Nourish, Daniel Culver has been promoted to editorial and audiobook manager, with Rachel Gladman joining the Watkins and Nourish marketing team.
At Angry Robot, Eleanor Teasdale has been promoted to the role of associate publisher. Gemma Creffield has been made managing editor, with Sam McQueen moving into the role of publishing assistant. Ailsa Stuart will join the team as marketing executive. Simon Spanton also recently joined as commissioning editor-at-large. Caroline Lambe, previously publicity manager, has rejoined the team in a freelance capacity to champion the imprint’s lead titles
Monica Mistry has been promoted to the role of U.K. sales manager for Watkins Media. Craig Chmarny has been made U.K. and digital sales executive. Lauren Strange has moved up to the role of U.S. and international sales executive. In other departments at Watkins Media, Uzma Taj has been named production director and Kieryn Tyler has been promoted to the role of designer.
“It’s wonderful to see people develop within our company,” Etan Ilfeld, managing director and owner of Watkins Media, said.
