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Bonnier Books' acquisitions director and publisher Natalie Jerome has parted ways with the company after two years.
A short statement released by the publisher said Jerome would leave her role on 31st March, with no reason given for her departure.
The Bookseller has been told Jerome’s discussions with clients were abruptly broken off early in March. She did not attend the London Book Fair.
Jerome, named one of The Bookseller’s 100 most influential people last year, has been seen as a publishing star and a powerful voice on diversity in the industry. She joined imprint King’s Road Publishing in January 2017 from her non-fiction publisher role at HarperCollins before starting work across the Bonnier group later that year. In January 2018 she launched the wellness imprint Lagom, acquiring a string of titles.
In a statement released through Bonnier, Jerome highlighted the impact of books like Rochelle Humes’ children’s book The Mega Magic Hair Swap! (Studio Press) during her time with the firm. She said: “It's been an exhilarating two years and I've loved the opportunity Bonnier Books UK have given me to spread my commissioning wings beyond my commercial non-fiction heartland and be part of the strategic evolution of the business. I'm especially proud of the recent success of Rochelle's debut children’s picture book which, with 25,000 copies in print and sales of close to 10,000 copies in just over a month since publication, demonstrates the real commercial potential of publishing diversely. I have enjoyed my time here and I wish the team all the very best for the future.”
Bonnier c.e.o. Perminder Mann added: “I would like to thank Natalie for her hard work and contribution to the business over the last two years, which has included the acquisition and publication of bestsellers from Denise Fergus - the mother of James Bulger - Gary Barlow and Professor Steve Peters, the debut children’s books from Rochelle Humes and Ade Adepitan, as well as the setting up of our wellness and lifestyle imprint, Lagom. I am sorry to see Natalie go and wish her all the very best in her future career.”
Jerome can be contacted on natalie350@btinternet.com.