Wednesday 14 January 2026 -

Simon & Schuster Australia and New Zealand is delighted to announce the promotions of Tash Besliev and Cate Blake to the roles of Executive Publisher, recognising their outstanding contributions, editorial leadership and the continued expansion of the company’s Australian publishing programme.

Tash Besliev has been appointed Executive Publisher, Children’s Publishing, having previously served as Publishing Director, Children's. Cate Blake becomes Executive Publisher, Adult Publishing, after serving as Publishing Director, Affirm Press. Following Ben Ball’s departure last month, Simon & Schuster ANZ’s adult publishing team has been combined into a single adult division under Cate’s leadership.

These newly created positions form a key part of Simon & Schuster ANZ’s long-term publishing strategy, signalling the company’s commitment to growing its local publishing output across both the children’s and adult markets.

Both Tash and Cate joined Simon & Schuster ANZ at the end of 2024 as part of the acquisition of Affirm Press. They each bring extensive experience and expertise across the Australian publishing landscape: Tash has held senior leadership positions at Five Mile, Bonnier Publishing Australia and Hardie Grant Egmont while Cate’s career includes senior roles at Pan Macmillan and Penguin Random House. Their combined experience spans bestselling commercial publishing, award-winning literary list, brand-building and strategic list development.

Since joining the business, both have played pivotal roles in strengthening and expanding the company’s local publishing output. Their editorial excellence, commercial acumen, and unwavering commitment to authors and illustrators have been instrumental in shaping the business’s strategic growth.

Perminder Mann, CEO of Simon & Schuster UK and International, said, ‘Tash and Cate are exceptional publishers whose vision, creativity and leadership have already made a significant impact on our Australian business. We are thrilled to recognise their achievements with these promotions. As Simon & Schuster ANZ moves into its next chapter - with the full integration of Affirm Press and the arrival of Jane Curry as our new Managing Director - Tash and Cate will play central roles in driving our publishing strategy forward.’

Tash Besliev said, ‘I’m looking forward to continuing to shape the next chapter of children’s publishing at Simon & Schuster ANZ. My focus is on working with our incredible team to build on our strong foundations, championing exceptional creators, and delivering stories that not only inspire the next generation but also achieve meaningful commercial success. It’s an exciting time for our business, and I’m proud to be part of driving its growth.’

Cate Blake said, ‘Simon & Schuster ANZ has gone from strength to strength in its local adult publishing in recent years and I’m proud and privileged to be stepping up at this exciting time. I love this team and our books and I look forward to continuing to develop our critical and commercial success in this market.’