Penguin Random House New Zealand is thrilled to announce the appointment of Claire Murdoch to the role of Head of Publishing, Penguin Random House NZ.

With over 18 years’ experience in the Australian and New Zealand book trade, Murdoch brings to her new role a passion and speciality for non-fiction and illustrated books, including biography and memoir, current affairs, popular science, natural history, New Zealand history, M?ori and Pasifika, art, design and photography.

Former Publisher at Te Papa Press (12 years) and more recently in a role running product and audience development, digital communications and marketing at RNZ (formerly Radio New Zealand), Murdoch is known for her empathy, creativity and enthusiasm. She has worked closely with senior New Zealand writers and public figures, scientists, historians, cultural leaders, journalists and media personalities, and countless artists and their estates to bring their stories to life and to market.

Carrie Welch, Group Head of Penguin Random House NZ says ‘I am thrilled to welcome Claire to our team. A publishing talent of the highest calibre, her ideas and vision for local publishing are refreshing, passionate and progressive and are very much in keeping with my own and that of the team and wider business here at Penguin Random House’.

Of her return to publishing, Murdoch says ‘I am hugely excited to join Carrie and the skilled New Zealand publishing team at Penguin Random House. It feels great to be returning to publishing and to join the peerless PRH imprint. The mana of that list and its authors is inspiring. I’ll be honoured to build on that.’

Having represented publishing and authors as a past member of the PANZ Council, the VUP advisory board, NZ On Air and CNZ’s literary and arts grants panels, Murdoch is also often sought out as a regular book reviewer, commentator and events chair. Welch goes on to say, ‘Having now spent time with Claire, I have absolute confidence that she will be an exceptional advocate and representative for our team, business and our valued Penguin Random House authors.’

Murdoch will relocate to Auckland to take up this new opportunity and is expected to commence her new role in early August 2018.

All queries to be directed to Carrie Welch, Group Head of Penguin Random House NZ   cwelch@penguinrandomhouse.co.nz