Former William Heinemann publishing director Ravi Mirchandani, who left the publishing house in September after parent company Random House UK after they initiated discussions about his future, is to join independent Atlantic Books as publishing director beginning March 5th, the Bookseller reports. He reports to chairman and publisher Toby Mundy with a brief to acquire 15 to 20 books a year. He will be assisted by Sarah Castleton, who recently joined from Picador. Atlantic publishes up to 60 books a year; Mirchandani's appointment brings its list of acquiring editors up to seven. Mundy praises Mirchandani as "simply one of the most brilliant, versatile and internationally respected publishers of his generation".