Fremantle Press appoints Alex Allan as new Chief Executive Officer

Fremantle Press is delighted to announce that Alex Allan has been appointed as Chief Executive Officer. An experienced publishing professional and business leader, Alex will commence on Monday 17 October 2022, replacing outgoing CEO Jane Fraser.

Prior to her current role in higher education, Alex was Group Publisher for Welbeck Children’s Books in the United Kingdom, and Global Publisher for DK (Dorling Kindersley Ltd), a global reference publisher and part of the Penguin Random House Group.

Fremantle Press chairperson Clair Medhurst said Alex’s achievements in publishing were impressive. Clair said, ‘She has global publishing experience in children’s books, adult reference, lifestyle and travel, and most recently Alex has been developing a home-grown children’s list for Welbeck Australia/New Zealand. Alex greatly impressed the selection panel with her depth of knowledge of the publishing industry and her warmth as a person. We know that she will build on the outstanding legacy that Jane has left, and be a great leader for Fremantle Press into the future.’

Alex grew up in Perth and moved to the UK when she graduated from the University of Western Australia, only returning recently, after more than twenty years working in the publishing industry. Alex described the role as her ‘dream job’. She said, ‘I’ve watched Fremantle Press fondly from afar for many years, as it has developed and flourished under Jane’s leadership. So I feel privileged and excited to be able to lead it into the next chapter, knowing the depth of talent here in WA and the potential to find readers for our stories at home and across the world.’

Alex’s first official outing as CEO will be at the City of Fremantle Hungerford Award ceremony on Thursday 20 October, where she will help the Press introduce a new cohort of debut writers to the literary community.

More information about Alex Allan

Alex is an experienced publisher and creative leader, currently working in higher education, with international board experience and financial responsibility for global teams and products, content development for print and digital, organisation design and people management. She lived and worked in the UK for many years, before returning to Australia, where she has worked in advancement at UWA, and as the Children’s Publisher for the recently formed Welbeck ANZ. Alex is passionate about literacy and reading, especially children’s books.