At Transatlantic Agency, Samantha Haywood, has bought controlling interest in the agency from co-founder David Bennett and is now president of the firm. Bennett will serve as chairman emeritus, and co-founder Lynn Bennett stays on as treasurer.
Also at Transatlantic, Rob Firing has joined as speakers’ agent and literary agent, working tocreate a speakers’ division. He was senior director of publicity, communications, and speakers’ bureau at Harper Canada. Marilyn Biderman, previously of Marilyn Biderman Literary Management, joins as senior literary agent, bringing her clients with her.
Bennett says of the changes, “Lynn and I are thrilled to be passing the torch to Samantha Haywood at a time when the agency is thriving and expanding. Samantha Haywood has always led by example, and will contribute dynamic energy and vision necessary to drive the company’s continued success.”
Elsewhere, Ben Adams has been promoted to executive editor at Public Affairs.
The Books for a Better Life Awards, which helps to raise money to fight multiple sclerosis, will go on hiatus for 2018. Founder and chair of the awards’ executive committee Scott Manning is stepping down from that position, and the organization needs “to re-direct staffing resources to other fundraising challenges.” Manning says in the announcement, “We are looking at other options, and hope to come back with a revised program in the near future.”