The Bookseller.com

20th November 2008

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Baggaley named Picador publisher

02.10.08 Benedicte Page

Paul Baggaley has been confirmed as the new publisher of Pan Macmillan's literary imprint Picador, filling a vacancy that has been conspicuously empty since previous incumbent Andrew Kidd departed to join Aitken Alexander last April.

Baggaley started his career at Waterstone's, managing branches in London and Dublin, before moving to Random House, where he became paperback publisher at the Harvill Press. His current role is publishing director at Harper Perennial, with authors including Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and David Starkey.

Pan Macmillan m.d. Anthony Forbes Watson, to whom Baggaley will report, said: "Paul unusually has a thorough understanding of, and sympathy for, both the publishing and book retailing sectors. He also has an enduring passion for great writing and the skills, outlook and determination to make it available to as wide an audience as possible. He is ideally equipped to take Picador into, and steer it through, a new and exciting phase in its distinguished life."

Baggaley said: "I scoured the Picador spinner as I was growing up and discovered American and international writing as well as reading many of the best young British writers and poets. I've been hugely impressed by the vision for Picador articulated by Anthony and [Macmillan chief executive] Annette Thomas and can’t wait to meet the team and start."

Vivienne Schuster at Curtis Brown said she felt "very positive" about the news. "I think he will be real fresh air for Picador. I’ve had dealings with him, he’s excellent and he brings a spread of experience. Macmillan is an interesting place to watch. It really does need energising and this is indicative of its early moves." Baggaley’s start date is to be confirmed "shortly".

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