Sanjay Doraiswamy has joined Simon & Schuster in the newly created position of data scientist, reporting to Doug Stambaugh. Previously he worked as data scientist for the IT services firm Agilex Technologies, consulting for the Department of Homeland Security. Doraiswamy will initially focus on analyzing pricing strategies, after which he will move to broader projects. Senior director of publicity at Ecco Michael McKenzie is leaving the company Thursday after 15 years to “pursue other opportunities.” He added in an email, “I’m not entirely sure what I’ll be doing next – possibly freelancing, possibly going to another house – as I […]
Personnel
People, Etc.
Director of order management at Simon & Schuster Francine Leinheiser will retire on February 27 after more than 38 years with the company, and 12 years in her current position. In a statement, vp, distribution & fulfillment Dave Schaeffer praised Leinheiser as “a true Simon & Schuster lifer,” adding: “We will remember her as an organizer, a communicator, a cheerful presence and a true professional who played a major role in our success in bringing thousands of titles to our accounts on time. Now she will have some time to read many of the books that she, like many of […]
Smith Takes Medical Leave From Wiley, and Allin Fills In
Wiley announced Tuesday in an SEC filing that ceo Stephen Smith‘s urological cancer has recurred, and he “will be taking a period of medical leave in order to focus on treatment.” In September 2011 the company had first reported that Smith underwent “successful surgery” and was receiving “preventive chemotherapy.” Mark Allin‘s previously announced promoted to chief operating officer has been accelerated, and the company’s executive leadership team now reports to him (and Allin will report to the board’s executive committee).
People, Etc.
Abrams announced a number of recent promotions as well as a new hire. At Abrams Children’s and Amulet, Traci Todd joined recently as executive editor (she was senior editor, children’s publishing at VIZ Media). Jennifer Graham has been promoted to senior managing editor, while Erica Finkel moves up to associate editor. On the adult trade side, Eric Klopfer has been promoted to senior editor; Erin Hotchkiss has been promoted to marketing director; Paul Colarusso moves up to senior marketing manager; and Jordan Sapiro has been promoted to associate publicist. Finally, Matthew Dinda has been promoted to trade sales representative, while Erica LaSala moves up to […]
People
Robyn DesHotel joins the ABA on March 2 as chief financial officer, replacing Eleanor Chang, who is retiring. DesHotel has been at PEN American Center, as director of finance and administration since 2010. At the University of California Press, Clare Wellnitz has been promoted to director of sales & licensing, continuing to oversee rights, licensing, and contracts in addition to providing strategic oversight and direction for sales operations. At Graywolf Press, Leslie Johnson has been promoted to managing director, while Erin Kottke adds the role of marketing director to her existing duties as publicity director. Megan Beatie has left Goldberg McDuffie Communications, where she was […]
People: On George Nicholson, and More
Sterling Lord Literistic agent George Nicholson, 77, died on Tuesday. Before joining SLL in 1995, he founded Delacorte Press and Yearling Books, and was publisher of Books for Children at The Viking Press. At Hachette Book Group, recently-appointed svp group sales director Chris Murphy announced a reorganization of the sales group to “better align individuals to make the very most of their skills, and position us as a strong, well-rounded sales team.” Dave Epstein moves up to vp, retail sales, and will hire an executive director of children’s sales to fill his former position. Linda Jamison is promoted to executive director of mass merchant sales, reporting to […]