J.K. Rowling’s Agency Creates Harry Potter Franchise Boss Role

Teh Blair Partnership Expands to Capitalize on Growing Literary Market

The Blair Partnership, a literary agency renowned for representing esteemed authors, has announced significant expansion wiht the appointment of two key figures in newly-created roles. This strategic move aims to capitalize on the burgeoning literary market and propel the agency’s growth trajectory.

Simon Johnson joins as Chief Commercial officer, bringing extensive experience from his tenure at Universal Music UK, where he served as Managing Director of Strategy, Growth, and E-commerce. Prior to this, Johnson honed his expertise at amazon in senior leadership positions across Europe, overseeing the Books businesses in several key markets. His illustrious career also includes eight years at HarperCollins,culminating in his role as Group Managing Director for the UK and international.Johnson’s focus will be on driving revenue growth and exploring innovative business opportunities for both existing and prospective clients.

Simultaneously occurring, Kiran jeffery assumes the mantle of Managing Director for the Harry Potter franchise team. With 25 years of experience at The Walt Disney Company, Jeffery brings a wealth of knowledge in marketing, franchise management, and global partnerships. In her most recent role as Vice President of Franchise & Partnership Development at Walt Disney imagineering, she spearheaded global franchise strategies across all Disney brands. Jeffery’s appointment comes at a pivotal time as the Harry Potter franchise embarks on a new chapter with the highly anticipated HBO series.

A Strategic Move Towards Growth and Expansion

Both Johnson and Jeffery will join The Blair Partnership in the spring, coinciding with the commencement of production for the new Harry Potter series. this strategic expansion signifies the agency’s commitment to staying ahead of the curve in the ever-evolving literary landscape.

“I am delighted to welcome Simon and Kiran to The Blair Partnership. Their expertise and leadership will be a huge asset to the business and a great addition to our fantastic existing leadership team,” said Neil Blair, founder of The Blair Partnership.”With Simon’s commercial acumen, creativity, and strategic vision, we are confident that he will help us identify and unlock exciting new opportunities for business growth and innovation with both existing and new clients. Kiran’s appointment also comes at a pivotal time as we collaborate closely with our trusted partners to engage a new generation of fans, over twenty-five years after the publication of the harry Potter books by J.K. Rowling. We know she will bring tremendous skill, vision, and ambition to the role,”

“I’m delighted to be joining The Blair Partnership this spring,” stated Johnson. “With its diverse and dynamic portfolio of clients and business interests, and Neil’s entrepreneurial spirit, I’m excited about identifying further opportunities to grow and innovate.”

Jeffery echoed the sentiment, expressing her enthusiasm for the opportunity: “The Harry potter franchise is a dream opportunity for me. Its global appeal continues to grow, and I’m looking forward to helping shape this exciting next phase of its journey, with a gorgeous re-adaptation of J.K. Rowling’s stories for TV in the works.”

The Blair Partnership’s strategic expansion underscores the agency’s commitment to staying at the forefront of the literary industry while nurturing the careers of its diverse client roster.

What are Simon Johnson’s thoughts on the potential for growth and innovation at The blair Partnership?

Archyde Exclusive: Simon Johnson and Kiran Jeffery on The Blair Partnership’s Expansion and the Future of Literary Agency (Literary Market)

The Blair Partnership, a powerhouse literary agency, has announced a strategic expansion with the appointment of Simon Johnson as chief Commercial Officer and Kiran Jeffery as Managing Director of the Harry Potter franchise team. Archyde had the prospect to sit down with these industry heavyweights to discuss this exciting growth phase and the future of the literary market.

Welcome Simon and Kiran, thank you both for joining us today. Let’s dive right in. simon, as the new Chief Commercial Officer, what excites you about this role and the potential for growth at The Blair Partnership?

“Thanks for having me. I’m thrilled to be joining The Blair Partnership this spring. The agency has a remarkable portfolio of clients and a dynamic range of business interests. with Neil’s entrepreneurial spirit at the helm, I’m excited about the prospect of identifying and unlocking further opportunities for growth and innovation, both with existing clients and attractive new prospects. The literary market is evolving rapidly, and I believe there’s immense potential to explore new revenue streams and businesses models.”

Kiran, you’ll be leading the Harry Potter franchise team at a fascinating time, with the HBO series on the horizon. How do you plan to engage a new generation of fans while respecting the legacy of the original series?

“I’m absolutely delighted to take on this role. The Harry Potter franchise is a global phenomenon with an remarkable legacy, and I’m eager to help shape its next chapter. The key lies in understanding and catering to the ever-changing landscape of entertainment consumption.I plan to work closely with our partners to create engaging content that appeals to both long-time fans and new audiences, while honoring the spirit and magic of J.K. Rowling’s original stories.”

With your respective backgrounds in music, e-commerce, and franchise management, how do you think your unique perspectives will contribute to the literary sphere?

Simon: “My career trajectory has certainly taken a winding path, but it’s given me a varied set of skills and experiences that I believe will translate incredibly well to this role. My time at Global Music and Amazon has taught me a lot about strategic growth and exploiting digital opportunities, while my roots in publishing have deepened my intrinsic understanding of the industry.I’m confident that blending these perspectives will bring a unique value to The Blair Partnership and its clients.”

Kiran: “my background in franchise management at Disney has taught me the importance of upholding the integrity of a brand while continuously innovating and adapting to reach new audiences. I believe this approach is invaluable in the literary world, where beloved series and characters must continually evolve to stay relevant and exciting. Additionally,my experience in global partnerships will be essential in expanding The blair Partnership’s reach and influence internationally.”

Lastly, both of you will be joining the agency just as production begins on the new Harry Potter series. What do you think is the most exciting aspect of this project, and what do you hope to achieve in your first year at The Blair Partnership?

Simon: “The most exciting aspect for me is the sheer scale and potential impact of the Harry Potter series on both the literary and entertainment worlds. in my first year, I hope to identify and capitalize on strategic opportunities that will drive growth and innovation for the agency, while also benefiting our incredible roster of clients.”

Kiran: “For me, it’s all about the magic of the Harry Potter story and the passion of its fans.In my first year, I aim to lead my team in creating a complete, engaging, and respectful strategy that celebrates the spirit of the original story while embracing the exciting new possibilities presented by the HBO series.”

We would like to thank Simon Johnson and Kiran Jeffery for their insightful and engaging responses, and we wish them both the best of luck in their new roles at The Blair Partnership. Stay tuned to Archyde for more exclusive interviews and updates on the ever-evolving literary market.