Chicken House Appoints New Publisher
Scholastic’s U.K.-based Chicken House imprint has announced that Rachel Leyshon will succeed Barry Cunningham as publisher, effective January 1, 2026. Currently, Leyshon serves as the imprint’s editorial director. In her new role, Leyshon will oversee the future creative direction of Chicken House, supported by the existing editorial, production, and marketing team, according to a press release.
Cunningham is poised to retire from his position as publisher, managing director, and founding director on December 31, 2025, after 25 years at the imprint. Deputy managing director Rachel Hickman and rights director Elinor Bagenal, the imprint’s other founding directors, will also retire alongside Cunningham.
“Founding and leading Chicken House with Rachel and Elinor has been an honor and a joy,” Cunningham said. “With Rachel Leyshon, Chicken House will continue its vibrant mix of new fiction talent and original series.”
