People 6/6

Amazon laid off staff in the books division, with cuts impacting “fewer than 100 workers.” Employees at Goodreads and Kindle were laid off.

An Amazon spokesperson said in a statement, “As part of our ongoing work to make our teams and programs operate more efficiently, and to better align with our business roadmap, we’ve made the difficult decision to eliminate a small number of roles within the Books organization.”

The company added 4,000 jobs in the first quarter, but shares are down 5.6% this year.

David Kuhn, co-ceo of Aevitas Creative Management, has opened Chez Nous, a new restaurant in the West Village with his partner, the production designer Kevin Thompson. The restaurant, which is located “just above street level at the Marlton Hotel” in the West Village, was conceived as a media clubhouse in the style of Elaine’s.

The NYT writes of Kuhn: “Agents tend to come in two types. The first are Shamans whose soothsaying skills serve them with fragile creative types and impatient executives. The second are nearly manic go-getters, who smack their clients into shape and firmly, but politely, extract more money from publishers than anyone could have predicted… Mr. Kuhn, who falls more into the latter category, has a great deal of charm, but more limited patience.”

Jerri Helms has been promoted to senior vice president, marketing operations.

Madison Baird has been promoted to director of digital marketing.

Anthony Arnove becomes director of special projects, focused on strategic partnerships.

Katy O’Donnell has been promoted to editorial director.

In addition to directing Haymarket’s UK office, Brekhna Aftab has been promoted to editor, with a focus on international acquisitions.

John McDonald has been promoted to editor.

Joanna Green has been promoted to associate editorial director and director of YA publishing.

Carol Chu has been promoted to executive creative director.

Melissa Nasson has been promoted to contracts director & general counsel.

Mei Su Bailey has been promoted to assistant publicist.

Brittany Wallace has been promoted to associate manager sales & marketing.

Jill Dougan has been promoted to business operations director.

Becca Johnson has been promoted to assistant editor.