Rizzoli International is delighted to announce the launch of a London-based publishing business, Rizzoli UK. This is part of an active growth strategy that firmly places Rizzoli in one of the world’s most important English language markets.

To lead the business Stephen King has been appointed to the role of Managing Director, Rizzoli UK. King was previously Managing Director of Hardie Grant UK, where he was responsible for taking the independent from start up to a thriving, highly successful publisher.

Rizzoli has long had an important presence in the UK as a New York publisher with many UK authors and books of interest to the UK market. With this new organization, Rizzoli plans to increase its UK presence considerably, to reach all markets in the British Isles.

Rizzoli UK will also develop original titles, which will be published under the Rizzoli Universe imprint and will complement Rizzoli Universe’s existing program of dynamic books and calendars, covering areas such as pop culture, food and wellness. A London-based publishing team is to be appointed and will work in unison with publishing staff in Rizzoli’s New York headquarters.

King joins the Rizzoli International executive team headed by President & CEO, Stefano Peccatori, and including Charles Miers, who will continue to be the Publisher of all Rizzoli International imprints (overseeing Rizzoli New York, Rizzoli Universe, Rizzoli Electa, and now Rizzoli UK); Jennifer Pierson, Vice President of Global Sales, Marketing and Operations, is responsible for sales and marketing of this growing international enterprise; and Randy Barlow is Vice President of Finance and Administration for the entire group.

Of the launch and appointment, Stefano Peccatori says “We are ambitious in growing Rizzoli’s presence in the illustrated book market and the launch of the UK business forms a cornerstone of our growth plans. We firmly believe in the future of smartly published, beautifully designed books that speak to enduring trends. Stephen has a proven track record in this area and we are delighted to have him leading our UK operations.”

Stephen King says “I have hugely admired Rizzoli for a long time on many levels: the world-class publishing, outstanding brand recognition and the people. It’s an exciting time to be joining and I look forward to working with Stefano and the rest of the team to create something exceptional.”

Top photo by Jeffrey Milstein from London from the Air