People 9/24

Penguin Random House announced a multi-year global renewal of their license with BBC Studios to publish books based on the hit children’s series Bluey. The deal covers all languages and territories, except for Australia, New Zealand and China, “each of which have their own Penguin Random House contracts with BBC Studios.”

Penguin Children’s first started publishing Bluey in the US in October 2020, selling over 8.5 million books.

The first publishing house that will be part of Arnaud Nourry’s Les Nouveaux Editeurs was announced, led by Julia Pavlowitch. She directed Phebus until earlier this year. The house, focused on French literature, was legally formed in June, and will launch in February 2025 with two novels.

Bridget Flannery-McCoy will join as an executive editor on October 1, working on a range of nonfiction titles. She was previously at Princeton University Press.

Lex Orgera has joined as editorial manager. Orgera was previously the executive director of a regional literary organization and literary festival.

Michelle Aielli has been named interim executive director. She was previously vice president and publishing director of Hachette Books.

The appointment follows the June retirement of executive director Cynthia Sherman. The board of directors has launched a national search for a permanent executive director.

CEO of UK and Europe Hilary Strong has left the company.

Eleanor Birne has joined as an agent. She was previously at PEW Literary.

Lex Orgera has returned to the company, now as editorial manager. Orgera was executive director of a regional literary organization and literary festival.