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Simon Beecroft, DK’s publishing director for licensing, is leaving the company after 20 years.
DK said Beecroft “has made the decision that now is the right time to take on a new challenge”. He will leave at the end of May after spending the last seven years as publishing director for the licensing division.
Beecroft began his career at DK as a senior editor in the children’s division and during his time in licensing developed the successful LEGO programme.
DK, which has started the recruitment process to find Beecroft's successor, said: “He has played an extremely important part in DK’s recent history; his creative talent, passion and instinct have led the direction of DK’s licensed publishing. Beecroft has also authored several books for DK, including LEGO Star Wars The Visual Dictionary, a New York Times bestseller for more than 50 weeks.”
Rebecca Smart, DK managing director, publishing, said: “I would like to take this opportunity to thank Simon for his wonderful contribution as a leader and supportive colleague, as he has been to so many of us here at DK. I am sad that I have not worked with him for longer but very grateful to him for his support and tireless work in driving the licensing publishing programme.”
Beecroft is planning to focus on writing projects over the summer and after that will be seeking a new role in children's or licensed publishing.
He said: “I have had a wonderful time at DK and am immensely proud of what I’ve achieved with the licensing division. I am excited to be embarking on my next chapter, but first I want to spend time over the summer with my family and friends.”