HarperCollins UK Reorg Follows Ridout Departure

By Lynn Andriani -- Publishers Weekly, 5/26/2009 8:58:00 AM

HarperCollins UK managing director Amanda Ridout announced last week that she will be leaving the company at the end of June to “pursue other ventures.” Following Ridout’s notice, CEO and publisher Victoria Barnsley said the roles of MD of HarperCollins, MD of HarperFiction and MD of Harper NonFiction/Collins will be phased out in favor of a “flatter structure.”

The reorganization will result in Belinda Budge being promoted to the new role of publisher or HarperCollins UK, reporting to Barnsley. Budge will oversee all publishing for HarperFiction and NonFiction/Collins. Simon Johnson, currently director of business development, will become group commercial and business development director, reporting to Barnsley and COO Keith Mullock and sitting on the executive committee. Johnson and his team will support the publishers and MDs in delivering financial and strategic targets, and oversee Harper UK’s business development opportunities.

Ridout has been at Harper for seven years, and launched two imprints while at the company. Barnsley thanked Ridout, noting, “Amanda… has worked tirelessly to build up a very strong commercial business over more than seven years with both our adult and children’s publishing…. Her amazing energy and enthusiasm will be much missed and I wish her all the very best with her new venture.”