Penguin Random House announced to US employees a new Student Loan Repayment Assistance Program that starts in January. The company will provide all full-time employees who have been employed at least one year with a student loan repayment of up to $1,200 annually — for up to seven and a half years — totaling a maximum of $9,000. CEO Markus Dohle writes: “I know all too well that student loan debt burdens a great deal of our colleagues…. We have always believed in doing our part to tackle broader societal challenges by starting within our own communities. We want to honor the investments you have made into your higher education, and hope that with this new program you will in turn be able to further invest in yourself and your future by taking advantage of other benefits we offer, such as the 6 percent 401(k) contribution match.” PRH is working with Gradifi, a Boston-based student loan pay down provider, to administer the benefit.
Abrams announced a number of recent hires. Rebecca Schmidt has joined as national account manager. Previously she was a national accounts manager at Workman. Kelsey Albertson joins as special markets national accounts sales representative. Previously she was corporate and premium sales coordinator at Macmillan. Peggy Garry has joined as contracts director. Previously she was assistant director, legal affairs at Perseus. Tree Abraham joins as junior designer, children’s. Previously she was a cover designer with Penguin Random House UK, Faber & Faber, and Little, Brown UK. Finally, Kim Sheu has been named associate marketing manager, adult division. Previously she was associate marketing manager at Monacelli Press.
Cassie McGinty has joined Disney Publishing as senior publicist. Previously she was a publicist at Random House Children’s.