Aurum publisher Bond leaves Quarto to go freelance

Katie Bond has left her role as publisher of Quarto imprint Aurum to go freelance. 

She took up the role at Aurum in July 2020 after working as publisher at The National Trust.  

Bond told The Bookseller: “I am very proud of the Aurum relaunch and the wonderful authors I have edited and published. Two prizes, two major Hollywood movies, Quarto’s first audiobook list and a New York Times bestseller feels a good tally in under two years. I’m enjoying freelance life in the sunshine and thinking about the next step.” 

During her time at Aurum, Wyl Menmuir won the Roger Deakin award for The Draw of the Sea, and Clare Finney, author of the 2023 title Hungry Heart, won a Fortnum & Mason award and was shortlisted for the Jane Grigson award. The forthcoming film "Thirteen Lives" is based on an Aurum title, and Erin French’s memoir Finding Freedom also has a film deal. 

While at Quarto, she worked under Polly Powell and David Graham. Powell unexpectedly quit as group c.e.o. in July 2021 to build on the success of her own company. Graham, chief executive officer of Quarto Books UK, left in March 2022 to join Powell at B T Batsford, where he was appointed managing director. Alison Goff took over as the new group chief executive officer in November 2021.

Bond said: “I much enjoyed working for Polly Powell and David Graham and will miss many lovely colleagues at Quarto.” 

Quarto has been contacted for comment.