Penguin Ventures has appointed Jess Houston, who joined this month and will report to David Sprei.

Jess Houston

Penguin Ventures, the licensing and consumer products team within Penguin Random House Children’s UK, has appointed Jess Houston as senior category manager, UK Hardlines.

Jess, who is joining Penguin Ventures from Aardman Animations, will report to commercial director, David Sprei. She will be responsible for growing the UK Hardlines business across the Penguin Ventures’ portfolio of iconic literary children’s brands, including The World of Peter Rabbit, The World of Eric Carle, The World of The Snowman, Flower Fairies and Fun with Spot.

David Sprei said: “Jess brings a wealth of licensing expertise to the team and I am so excited that she shares a passion for our wonderful literary portfolio. I have no doubt Jess will bring energy and a strategic mindset to the hardlines category and we are all looking forward to working with her. I am impressed by her extensive industry experience and knowledge, gained by working with some of the best-in-class licensees in the business, and am certain Jess will be a huge asset to the Penguin Ventures team as she starts this new adventure.”

Jess Houston said: “I am hugely excited to join Penguin Ventures. The character brands are personal favourites of mine. They are classic, but still extremely relevant, and it’s going to be an honour to represent them in the hardlines space. I’m looking forward to connecting with the wider Penguin Ventures team members, licensees and partners. I’ll be bringing my enthusiasm, experience of licensing and creativity to the role.”

Jess Houston joined the Penguin Ventures team on the 11th December and can be reached via: jhouston@penguinrandomhouse.co.uk.