Jazzmine Breary announced as COO of Jacaranda Books

Leading independent publisher Jacaranda Books has announced Jazzmine Breary as its new Chief Operating Officer (COO). Effective immediately, Breary will work alongside Jacaranda’s founder, Valerie Brandes, to usher in a new vision for the beloved publishing house.

A newly created role, Breary’s appointment comes as the organisation celebrates its 10-year anniversary. The move is reflective of Brandes’ ethos to not only to reward talent but to change the face of publishing’s landscape

Joining the organisation at its inception, Breary and the team has published over 70 titles by a raft of talented authors including multiple award-winners, Bernice L. McFadden and Shola von Reinhold. They’ve since gone on to carve out a unique space in the industry, experiencing several triumphs in a short time. Those include the unprecedented Twenty in 2020, an initiative to publish 20 titles by 20 Black British writers in a single year. Its latest success is the A Quick Ting On… series curated and edited by Forbes 30 Under 30 2022 recipient and Head of Editorial and Marketing, Magdalene Abraha. The next 10 years are bright for Jacaranda as they look to expand to the U.S. 

Of her appointment and her aspirations for her new role, Breary said: “I am excited to begin my new role as COO at Jacaranda Books and honoured by the trust that Valerie Brandes and the team have in me. Since inception, I have been inspired by Valerie’s vision and I look forward to driving practices and policies that fulfil our vision and ethos. Becoming a mother has reinforced the importance of legacy in my life; in my new role I will continue my dedication to building a lasting legacy of excellence, diversity and profitability, so that Jacaranda Books will be an example and an inspiration for the next generation.” 

Her sentiments were echoed by Brandes as they look to the future: “Jazzmine’s understanding of and support for the vision of Jacaranda has never waivered, and more often than not has been the driving force through some of our most challenging times. Her commitment to our business, her talent for managing people and her passion for our publishing make this new role a natural progression. We could not be more pleased nor excited for the future of the business and for the significant role Jazzmine will play in shaping it."   

Jacaranda will continue to celebrate its anniversary throughout 2022.