Timothy Mantel has joined Barnes & Noble as chief merchandising officer, reporting to ceo Demos Parneros. He was cmo for GNC, and prior to he was svp, food, household essentials and food service. Mantel fills the position vacated when Mary Amicucci was dismissed in September. Parnernos said of Mantel in the announcement: “His deep knowledge of retail and proven track record are exactly what we need to invigorate our merchandising strategy and grow our business. He will be a great addition to our management team.”
Naomi Davis and Amanda Jain have both joined Bookends Literary Agency as agents. Previously both were agents at Inklings Literary Agency, and they have each moved their client lists with them.
Silvia Kuttny-Walser will start as editor-at-large for Droemer Knaur’s Knaur imprint on February 15, working with the editorial team focusing on the strategic development of popular women’s fiction. She will maintain the consulting business for publishing and authors that she started in 2012 as well.
Bookselling
The owners of Chicago’s Volumes Bookcafe have launched an Indiegogo campaign with the goal of raising $60,000, to help with “unexpected costs from opening the store.”