Jeff Pinsker has been named president of Scholastic’s “books plus” imprint Klutz, effective December 3 (and vp of Scholastic, Inc.). Pinsker, who will report to Scholastic president of trade publishing Ellie Berger and was most recently ceo of educational toy company Infinitoy, will lead the creative, sales, and marketing direction of the Klutz business and will manage the strategic development of the Klutz brand. Pinsker is also the author of 13 books for children, including the QUIZMO Series and entries in Spinner Books’ Armchair Puzzlers Series. He fills the slot that has been vacant all year, since the departure of previous Klutz president Matt Brown after just a year-and-a-half on the job.
“Jeff’s diverse background in children’s game development, toys, and publishing makes him perfectly suited to build on Klutz’s rich history of tactile innovation and fun, and to explore both print and digital opportunities for the brand as Klutz moves forward,” Berger said in Monday’s announcement.
At Macmillan, Melissa Bullock has been promoted to senior manager, author events.
Founder of Prometheus Press–and philosopher, prolific author, publisher, and founder of several secular humanist institutions–Paul Kurtz, 86, died on October 20 at his home in Amherst, New York.