Future Leader of the Year
The shortlist for the Future Leader of the Year category at the 2025 FutureBook Awards
Reading the entries from our shortlisted Future Leaders of the Year left our judges wondering: how on earth do they manage to do it all? Because our finalists aren’t just delivering incredible results in their own roles; they’re also finding creative and meaningful ways to support others and uplift the industry as a whole. From events to indie publishing, brand management to bookselling, if the future is in these six pairs of hands, there’s an awful lot to feel positive about.
Winner
Magdalene Abraha
Publishing director
Jacaranda Books
Expands Jacaranda globally, championing diverse voices, award-winning series, and partnerships that balance creative vision, representation, and commercial growth.
Winning this award has been such a delight. The recognition affirms the important work that so many of us care deeply about and I’m grateful. It is both encouraging and inspiring to be part of the FutureBook family, whose innovation and generosity continue to shape and push our industry.
Shortlist
Magdalene Abraha
Publishing director
Jacaranda Books
Expands Jacaranda globally, championing diverse voices, award-winning series, and partnerships that balance creative vision, representation, and commercial growth.
I am beyond thrilled to be shortlisted for the Future Leader Award at the Future Book Awards. This recognition celebrates some of the very best of publishing and I couldn’t be more honoured to be included. To be recognised for doing what I love is the greatest privilege. Truly grateful and excited!
Micaela Alcaino
Freelance book designer & illustrator
Designs award-winning book covers, mentors emerging creatives, delivers inclusive workshops, and advocates for artists’ rights and accessibility in publishing.
I am thrilled to be shortlisted for Future Leader of the Year 2025. It’s an honour to be recognised for the work I love doing alongside design and illustration, including mentorship, teaching and championing inclusivity. It means a great deal and motivates me to keep striving for a better future for our industry.
Simon Armstrong
Senior communications & policy manager
The Booksellers Association
Transforms communications strategy, delivering media coverage, social engagement, stakeholder relationships, and member support while strengthening the Booksellers Association’s public profile.
I am beyond thrilled to be shortlisted for the Future Leader Award at the Future Book Awards. This recognition celebrates some of the very best of publishing and I couldn’t be more honoured to be included. To be recognised for doing what I love is the greatest privilege. Truly grateful and excited!
Harriet Hirshman
Publishing manager
Dead Ink Books
Manages commissioning, production, and international acquisitions, championing underrepresented voices, ambitious titles, translation projects, and high-quality independent publishing.
It’s a dream to work on such a diverse list of bold and transgressive titles, all from my hometown of Liverpool. I’m very proud of the work I do at Dead Ink, so it’s wonderful to be recognised by the FutureBook Awards.
Jade Potter
Senior brand marketing manager
Macmillan Children's Books
Leads children’s marketing campaigns with strategic insight, nurturing teams, authors, illustrators, and delivering high-impact creative projects and innovative audience engagement.
It’s a huge honour and real career highlight being shortlisted for this award. I’m so lucky to work with a dream list of children’s brands and authors, as well as an amazing team, and I’m delighted to be recognised in this way - thank you.
Emma Whittle
Programming strategic lead
Cheltenham Literature Festival
Launched VOICEBOX, engaging 18–30-year-olds with inclusive, innovative literature festival experiences, emerging talent development, and cross-sector cultural impact.
I’m delighted to be shortlisted for this award. My work is driven by an ambition to shake up how we engage with books and culture and reimagine what literature festivals can be for future generations. Leading the creation and growth of VOICEBOX has been a defining part of that journey and an incredible privilege.
