Penny began her career at Carcanet Press, a literary publisher specialising in modern and classic poetry in English and translation. From organising press campaigns to live events and book launches it was an opportunity to work with some of the most celebrated poets of a generation. A list that includes Les Murray, Elizabeth Jennings, Eavan Boland and the New York School of Poets.

Leaving Manchester for London, Penny joined David Godwin Associates, a leading literary agency. Penny worked closely with the clients on their books as well as journalism, radio and television contracts and appearances. The authors included Will Self, Simon Armitage and the Booker Prize winners, Arundhati Roy and Ben Okri.

In 2003, Penny joined JLA the UK’s foremost specialist agency providing speakers, performers and hosts to corporate clients. She was with JLA for over 10 years, as one of their most senior agents, and in that time worked with a wide range of organisations including Barclays, Allianz Insurance and Thomson Reuters.

Penny is a founding partner at Kirby Jones Management.