HarperCollins Children’s Books today announce the appointment of Helen Mackenzie Smith as Publishing Director: Picture Books and Colour List. She will be responsible for the strategic development of the list which includes a classic heritage with titles such as The Tiger Who Came to Tea and Paddington, as well as bestselling, award-winning talent such as Oliver Jeffers, Nick Butterworth, Rob Scotton; and will work closely with the HarperCollins digital team on initiatives to develop a publishing programme across all platforms.

Helen has worked for Random House Children’s Books for over fourteen years on both the Hutchinson and Jonathan Cape children’s lists. During the course of her career she has worked with some of the pre-eminent names in children’s book publishing including Quentin Blake, John Burningham, Raymond Briggs, Anthony Browne, Mini Grey, Shirley Hughes and the Estate of Roald Dahl. In addition to managing a prestigious backlist, she has also overseen the development of the Jonathan Cape picture book list, taking on award-winning and critically acclaimed new talent including Louise Yates and Katie Cleminson.

Helen will join HarperCollins in January 2011, reporting to publisher, Ann-Janine Murtagh. Commenting on the appointment Ann-Janine said, “I am thrilled that Helen is joining the team. She has worked with many of today’s most renowned picture book creators and brings an exceptional track record to the role. This is an exciting time for the HarperCollins Picture Book and Colour list as we develop innovative new publishing - taking our classic titles into new arenas with dynamic digital plans and launching our new talent with a strong transmedia vision. Helen’s appointment and the wealth of experience and enthusiasm she brings will play a key role in building our publishing for the future.”

Helen added “I am utterly delighted to be joining the team at HarperCollins. I have loved my time at Random House Children’s Books. I feel immensely privileged to have worked with so many wonderful authors and artists, but I am relishing the prospect of this exciting new role, working with the fantastic authors and artists on the HarperCollins list.”