Garnet People
Garnet Education books are published by a team of experienced and qualified professionals. Garnet books reflect this experience using up-to-date methodology, high-quality design and excellent content — thereby ensuring our products meet the needs of teachers and learners in the 21st century.
Richard Peacock – General Manager
Richard joined the company in 2001 following a long period in Japan, teaching English, publishing corporate communications and ELT material and finally running his own publishing company in Tokyo. He has used his extensive knowledge of publishing to launch Garnet Education into the new era of open-market publishing.
Rod Webb – Education & Research Manager
Rod has been with the company since being seconded to the Bahrain Ministry of Education in 1984, the first of ten years spent in the Arabian Gulf. During this time, he travelled throughout the Middle East for company promotion and teacher training. His years in ELT have furnished him with many contacts within the profession, which he uses to ensure that the company maintains its high standards and direction.
Pamela Park – Production Manager
Pamela has extensive experience in academic publishing, having managed production for several of the major players during her career. In her role at Garnet, she will take responsibility for scheduling, budgets, quality control, liaison with the printers and arranging deliveries. She also hopes to use her production experience to suggest improvements that will make the publishing process run more smoothly.
Simone Davies – Editorial Manager
Simone began her career teaching English in Japan, returning after five years to complete an MA in Japan Studies. Moving into the publishing world, she worked in consumer, academic and charity sector editorial project management roles before joining Garnet in January 2008. In her role as Editorial Manager she plays a pivotal role in developing the capacity of the company to produce quality ELT materials. Her experience in EFL underpins her work as a very experienced publishing professional.
Emily Clarke – Editor
Emily joined the company in 2006 from a small local publisher. She fell into publishing almost by accident, but has found that her eye for detail and genuine love of all types of books mean that she has discovered her niche in the Editorial department.
Kate Brown – Editor
Kate has a degree in English Language and Linguistics, as well as three and a half years' experience in academic publishing. She started work as an Editorial Assistant and with a change in job was soon promoted to Assistant Editor. This involved assisting the commissioning editors with an interesting mix of publications from music to religion & theology. Kate is passionate about books and intends to put this, combined with her recent experience, to very good use at Garnet.
Mike Hinks – Senior Designer
Mike joined Garnet straight from university as junior designer. Having gained publishing experience with Garnet, he left to broaden his skills working in Design and Marketing in London. A few years later he was back, but this time his dedication, knowledge and enthusiasm were rewarded with a promotion to manage the design department.
Neil Collier – Designer
Neil joined the company straight from university, but having gained experience with Garnet, left to broaden his skills working for a Reading-based design agency, specializing in bespoke and high profile marketing campaigns. However, seven years later he was back with fresh ideas and renewed enthusiasm for EFL publishing.
Christin Helen Auth – Designer
Christin took an apprenticeship in graphic design in Germany ten years ago and has worked in the advertising and publishing industries ever since. Her work in different environments and countries has provided her with a unique experience in the business. She joined Garnet Education in 2007 after moving to England. Christin has first-hand knowledge of the difficulties and joys of mastering English, so she has a special interest in helping other students learn the language.
Bob House – Typesetter
Bob quickly became indispensable as Mr IT since his talent for software support is only matched by his typesetting ability. When he first joined in 2007, he was overwhelmed by cries for help from his colleagues, but since solving all the problems has moved on to bringing innovation and efficiency to the office IT systems.
Doug Nash – Illustration Specialist
Doug’s background in cartoon character design for companies such as Warner Brothers has given him the ability to capture movement and expression as well as speed and attention to detail. He provides a solid foundation of good illustration around which freelance illustrators can build.
Olly Twist – Academic Sales Executive
Olly joined the company straight from the British Council in the UAE. He has developed contacts throughout the world through his outgoing nature and unique brand of humour. In his previous job at the British Council he dealt with all manner of people, from visiting dignitaries to children studying English. He is now using his expertise to promote Garnet Education’s open-market publishing ventures.
Catherine Kennedy – Marketing Assistant
Catherine joined Garnet after graduating with a BA in Ancient History from the University of Reading. During five years of part-time employment at a flagship bookstore and involvement with events such as the Oxford Literary Festival, Catherine acquired a wide experience of the publishing industry and an understanding of the importance of customer care. She thrives on the busy nature of her current role and looks forward to the opportunity to travel.
Christine Hart – Office Manager
Christine has overseen the reorganization of Garnet Education that is designed to improve efficiency and enhance the corporate image. Since joining in 2007, she has used the organizational skills gained over fifteen years of PA and office management work to transform the working environment.
Laura Senior – Administrative Assistant
Laura brings to Garnet extensive admin experience gained through her time as a receptionist and lettings supervisor at a local secondary school. She is highly organized and helps to maintain the smooth operation of the company by assisting with a wide variety of tasks ranging from general admin – processing invoices, arranging travel and monitoring health and safety – to more publishing-related activities such as checking audio recordings.
Hannah Howard – Education and Training Assistant
Hannah first joined Garnet as an assistant to the general manager after graduating with a BA in English Literature from the University of Reading. Following six months travelling the world, Hannah returned to the world of work in the admissions department of a large education provider before rejoining Garnet. She enjoys the varied nature of her new role at Garnet and the opportunities to expand her knowledge of education and publishing.
Stephen Grantham – Receptionist
Stephen is the first point of contact and plays a vital role in presenting Garnet Education to the world. He joined the company in 1999 and has experienced the many changes that have taken place in that time. His many years of service have just been rewarded with a brand new reception area that befits the expansion of the company.