People 9/2

Chris Werner has joined in the newly created role of vp, content development, leading “efforts to build a broader pipeline of content and new business for Penguin Random House Audio, with a particular focus on the rapidly growing community of indie authors and creators,” according to a release. He previously was publisher at Amazon Publishing, where he was “head of nine-figure audiobook publishing business.”

Patric Somlo will join as chief financial officer on November 1. He is currently senior vice president corporate finance at Lonza Group AG.

“Patric’s experience in publicly listed and science-based global businesses makes him well placed to help guide the company through its next phase of development,” board chair Stefan von Holtzbrinck said in a release. “We welcome him to Springer Nature and look forward to benefiting from his insights and leadership.”

Alex Gehringer has been promoted to to head of illustration in America.

Emily Fernandez has been promoted to agent.

Jerry Falade, whose manuscript CALL ME, I’LL HIDE THE BODY was withdrawn by his agent Marc Gerald, now lists in his Instagram bio that he is represented by David Vigliano at Vigliano Associates. Vigliano did not respond to PL’s query about the agency’s plans for the author.