People 10/29

Editor in chief of the adult consumer division Paul Baggaley will retire on February 28, the Bookseller reports. He joined the publisher in 2020. The company has not named a replacement.

Baggaley said: “Having seen the adult list go from strength to strength, the time feels right for me to step back from a full-time managerial role and to prepare for a new phase of my life. I look forward to finding time to develop new projects and to share some of my publishing experience in different environments.

“By staying on until the end of February 2027, I will help steer a smooth handover, and I look forward to working closely with [Bloomsbury consumer division managing director Kathleen Farrar] over the coming months to set up the Division for continued success.”

Shanta Newlin, svp, executive director of publicity and corporate communications, will step down from her role at the end of the year to launch her own literary PR firm. She has been with the company for 18 years.

PYR president Jen Loja writes, “Over these many years Shanta has built and grown a powerhouse publicity team, committed to delivering bold and innovative campaigns for our books, brands and authors, and shaping and reimaging how and where we promote our books in today’s ever-evolving marketplace. Shanta has played a key role in launching imprints, tackling book bans and fielding the myriad requests, concerns and queries that make their way to the publicity group. She has also worked closely with me and the executive team to drive awareness for Penguin Young Readers in the marketplace.”

Elyse Marshall, vp, executive director, publicity will now oversee the Penguin Young Readers publicity team.

Jessica Yang has joined as editor. She was previously at Chooseco.