Ben Sevier has been promoted to editor-in-chief at Dutton, effective Octboer 3. He has been there for almost five years. President and publisher Brian Tart says, “I know from both authors and agents how much of an advocate Ben is for his writers. He gets the best out of them, every time. He believes in the power of a good story and he finds innovative ways to reach the widest possible audience for each of his books. I can’t think of a better person to lead our editorial efforts than Ben Sevier.”
Rodale evp and general manager of the books division Karen Rinaldi has left the company after a little more than three years in the post (as has president of integrated sales and marketing Gregg Michaelson). The two were the highest-ranking non-family members at the company. Stephen Perrine is taking over as acting publisher, reporting to David Zincenko. The NY Post reports that ceo Maria Rodale announced the changes yesterday. Adweek quotes her email, in which she says “as a company committed to renewal and growth, change is an essential part of our company’s heritage,” but the company will “continue to assert [its] position as the global leader of the health and wellness mission.”
Tom Dussel will join Penguin Group as director of sub-rights on November 7, responsible for the Putnam, Berkley, Portfolio, Tarcher, Avery and Perigee lists, reporting to svp Leigh Butler. He has been sub-rights manager at Simon & Schuster, selling rights for the Free Press, Scribner and Howard Books imprints.
Robert Wheaton will join Random House Canada, overseeing the digital department in the new role of vp, strategic digital business development. He has been at Indigo for the past six years, most recently as director, inventory management.
Ailen Lujo has joined DC Comics as director of book trade marketing, starting October 3. She spent the past eleven years at Soho Press, most recently as marketing director.
Author James Patterson is buying a series of ads in major newspapers to reprint an op/ed he wrote for CNN.com, “How to Get Your Kid to be A Fanatic Reader.” Little, Brown says the original post drew over 23,000 Facebook “likes” in less than 24 hours.