In a noteworthy development for the publishing industry, Andrew Smith has been appointed as Senior Vice President and Publisher of Candlewick Press, Holiday House, and Peachtree, under the Walker Books Group umbrella. His new role will commence on April 28, and he will be based in New York City, reporting directly to Belinda Ioni Rasmussen, the president and publisher of Walker Books Group.

Roles and Responsibilities

Smith will oversee the editorial and design teams at all three publishing houses, whose work he will directly influence and manage. This appointment follows the departure of several long-serving editors, indicating a pivotal moment for the organizations as they look to redefine their publishing lists.

Professional Background

Andrew Smith brings over 30 years of experience in children’s publishing, having previously held the position of SVP and Publisher at Abrams Children’s Books. Notably, Smith’s career also includes a significant tenure at Candlewick, where he served as Vice President of Sales prior to his time at Abrams. His extensive expertise encompasses collaborations with a variety of renowned authors and brands, including:

• Andrea Beaty and David Roberts
• Jeff Kinney
• Alex Aster and Chris Colfer
• Stephenie Meyer and Kate DiCamillo
• Popular franchises such as Star Wars, Marvel, Disney, DC, My Little Pony, LEGO, and Dr. Seuss

Industry Recognition and Leadership

Smith’s proven track record includes previous roles as SVP and Deputy Publisher at Little, Brown Books for Young Readers. He also contributes to the industry as a board member of the Children’s Book Council. His early career began in retail as a bookseller at Waldenbooks in Brooklyn, New York.

Statements from Leadership

Expressing his excitement about the new role, Smith stated, “I’m thrilled and honoured to join the amazingly talented group at Candlewick Press, Holiday House and Peachtree. I’ve long admired their commitment to the creative vision of their authors, illustrators and partners. Their stellar lists and focus and dedication to publishing beautiful, inclusive and popular books have enriched the lives of countless kids and teens. I look forward to working with the teams in this exciting role to continue to grow, innovate and reach all kinds of readers in new and groundbreaking ways.”

Rasmussen also expressed her enthusiasm for Smith’s appointment, noting, “I’ve followed Andrew’s career for years and have consistently been impressed by everything he’s achieved. At Abrams, he’s delivered results in a challenging marketplace through a thoughtful, strategic and visionary approach. I am excited about Andrew bringing that same leadership and inspiration to our publishing at Candlewick, Holiday House, and Peachtree, taking it to new heights.”