Laura Donnini has been named managing director and publisher of Harper Italia, effective February 1, 2017, responsible for the “day-to-day management of operations, establishing strategic and publishing direction, and for driving business expansion in Italy.” She will take over from Paola Ronchi, who “recently made the decision to leave the company after a successful nine year career with Harlequin/Harper.” Most recently, Donnini was ceo of Rizzoli’s RCS Libri. Harper ceo Brian Murray says in the announcement, “I am delighted that Laura is joining HarperCollins Italia. Her prior experience at Harlequin, Mondadori and Rizzoli makes her uniquely qualified to grow our […]
Personnel
Muted Greetings From Dohle, and A Lump of Coal As PRH UK Breaks Off with Unions
Penguin Random House ceo Markus Dohle dispatched a modest letter of holiday greetings to employees last Thursday (this year with no video accompaniment) that reaffirms the company’s fundamental mission without dwelling on any of the year’s particulars: “What a year this has been. As Penguin Random House, we managed changes, we took on challenges, and from them both we created opportunities to better serve our authors, our retail partners, our readers, and one another. Personally, this year gave me the chance to reflect upon the inextricable link between the work we do and the world we live in. In light […]
People, Etc.
Parenting Press is being acquired by Chicago Review Press (which already distributes the press through its IPG unit) effective January 1, and will continue as an imprint of its new parent company. Chicago Review Press publisher Cynthia Sherry will oversee the list from the 37-year-old practical parenting and children’s book publisher. Parenting Press president and founder Elizabeth Crary plans to retire from publishing but will continue her work as a parent educator and author, and none of the company’s staff will stay on after the acquisition. “The acquisition of Parenting Press by Chicago Review Press is a dream come true for a […]
People
PW honors Sourcebooks’ dynamic founder and ceo Dominique Raccah as their person of the year, “In recognition of her determination, creativity, and energy in making Sourcebooks one of the country’s leading independent publishers.” After almost 30 years in business, the publisher recently passed lifetime sales of 100 million units. Scholastic announced a wave of new hires and promotions: Angie Chen has joined the company as production editor for picture books and Cartwheel (coming from the Aperture Foundation); Rachel Gluckstern is production editor for hardcover (she was at DC Comics); Melissa Schirmer is assistant production editor (she was most recently at Books of Wonder); and Teresa Harris is licensing & brand […]
People, Etc.
At the American Booksellers Association, longtime development officer Mark Nichols will retire following the 2017 Winter Institute after 16 years with the organization. As of January 1, 2017 Matthew Zoni will be promoted to director of development and publisher relations and will become a member of ABA’s senior staff. Peter Reynolds will have an expanded role as project manager and with primary responsibility for the Indie Next Lists and the Indie Bestseller Lists. Gen de Botton will move up to ABC group manager. Additionally, David Grogan has been promoted to director of public policy and advocacy and will also join ABA’s senior staff. Kimberly Whalen has left Trident Media […]
People, Etc.
Steven Pace will join Norton on January 2 as director, trade sales, succeeding William Rusin, who is retiring after 45 years with the company at 36 years as director of trade sales. Pace was previously sales director at Workman. Norton vp trade sales & marketing Brendan Curry said in the announcement: “There are few people who could step smoothly into the shoes of the exceptional Bill Rusin, but Steven Pace is superbly qualified to do so. With his background in all aspects of book sales at firms both large and small, his outstanding reputation for management and leadership, and his sterling […]