People 12/15

The Strothman Agency has formed an alliance with Aevitas Creative Management. As of January 1, agency president Wendy Strothman and vice president Lauren MacLeod will agent under the Aevitas banner. The Strothman Agency’s clients will move with Strothman and MacLeod to Aevitas, and Aevitas will handle all subsidiary rights for their clients.

Strothman says in the announcement, “After serving as a publisher of two distinguished trade houses for two decades, I approached agenting as a publisher would and sought to build a list with its own internal integrity and logic. I’m very proud of what we’ve accomplished on our own and now look forward to having the support and wisdom of a sharp and talented group of colleagues while assuring that our clients are well served going forward.”

Aevitas co-CEO’s David Kuhn and Todd Shuster add: “Wendy’s standing in the publishing industry and her track record of spotting award-winning talent and nurturing their careers over multiple books are second to none, and we’re honored that she chose Aevitas as her and her clients’ next home.”

Scott Grande joins as vp, commercial finance & operations for North America, succeeding Christopher Hohns. He was previously director of financial analysis at Penguin Random House.

Alyssa Gammello has been promoted to publicist.

Sara La Cotti has been promoted to associate publicist.

Kim Lauber has been promoted to vice president, children’s marketing.

Rick Rekedal will join as chief creative officer. He was at DreamWorks Animation for over 20 years, including roles as chief creative of global franchises, head of licensing and interactive gaming, and head of online production.

As of January 1, the publisher will be represented to the independent bookstore trade and educational wholesale channel in the US by National Book Travelers. Simon & Schuster Distribution Services will continue to represent sales to the specialty retail channel and national accounts. EVP sales and marketing Chris Bauerle says, “Independent bookstores have been so supportive of our line over the years, and we are both passionate about and excited to significantly scale our support of these vital stores and their cherished booksellers.”