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Ed Spade has joined as senior vice president, commercial operations, reporting to deputy ceo Richard Kitson. According to the release, “Spade will refine inventory planning for maximum margin, increase global availability, oversee metadata, and advance discoverability strategies. He will also lead key cross-functional initiatives, fostering relationships across HBG, including supporting relationships between key stakeholders, ideating innovative growth improvements, developing new partnerships and ventures, strengthening client relationships, and establishing dynamic new ways of working. As the lead client liaison, Spade will collaborate with Hachette companies worldwide to identify efficiencies and opportunities to optimize workflows, profitability, including the refinement of pricing strategies across formats, markets, and distribution channels.” Spade was previously president of sales at Harper Collins.

Also reporting to Kison, Abigail Koons has joined as vice president of subsidiary rights, managing the subrights division. Koons was previously a literary agent, partner, and executive director of international rights at Park, Fine & Brower Literary Management. Though not announced, previous longtime vp, subsidiary rights Nancy Wiese has left the company.

Executive vice president and chief growth officer Jeffrey Mathews has also been named president, Scholastic Education. He has served as interim head of the division since June 2025.

“In my expanded role, I’ll be focused on deepening our impact in schools, communities and homes by sharpening our strategy and delivering high-impact learning experiences that unlock students’ potential and support educators,” Mathews said in a release. “We have a strong foundation, a talented team, and clear opportunities ahead. I’m excited to build on the progress we’ve made, strengthen our partnerships with educators and literacy leaders, and drive sustainable growth aligned with Scholastic’s mission.”

Editor-at-large Patrick Nielsen Hayden has retired, with his final day being January 5. He had worked at the company for 37 years, he announced on social media. He has “a couple of projects I intend to finish for Tor, and another that will be ongoing. But I’m not searching for new work.”

Sarah Ried has been promoted to deputy editorial director of the Zando | Tin House and Imprint Partner lists.

Caolinn Douglas has been promoted to senior editor.

TJ Ohler has been promoted to editor.

Natalie Ullman has been promoted to director of social media.

Zoey Cole has been promoted to associate director of marketing.

Christopher King has been promoted to creative director.

Khalil Commissiong has been promoted to manager, inventory and sales analytics.

Andrew Richard Albanese joins as editor-in-chief. He will retain his role as editor of the site Words & Money as well.

Maya Ono has been promoted to marketing manager.

At Penguin Canada, Alanna McMullen has been promoted to senior managing editor and Zainab Mirza has been promoted to assistant editor.

Phoebe Schmidt has joined the agency, representing upmarket science fiction and fantasy. She was previously an independent scout and book-to-film agent at Paradigm Talent Agency.

Charlie Serabian has joined as literary manager representing genre fiction and select nonfiction. He was previously at Global Lion Intellectual Property Management.

Jess Taylor has joined as literary manager representing primarily young adult and new adult. She is a former acquisitions editor.

Storm Literary Agency founder Essie White has launched a new, independent agency representing authors and illustrators. She will continue to represent the majority of her long-term clients and some new clients.

Nina Nocciolino has launched an eponymous publicity firm focusing on nonfiction authors in the business, social sciences, big think, general interest, current events, personal development, social sciences, and technology spaces. Most recently she was at managing director at Cave Henricks Communications.