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In a move similar to the one just announced at Penguin Random House by ceo Nihar Malaviya, Harper ceo Brian Murray told staff by email the company “will be combining our managing editorial and production editorial trade functions in North America.” Pam Barricklow has been promoted to the newly created role of vp, group executive managing editor, leading the trade managing editorial and production editorial teams. As at PRH, the appointment of an executive to oversee the centralization is the beginning of the process.

Jeremy M. Davies as executive editor starting June 20. Davies was most recently senior editor at And Other Stories.

Kerri Buckley has joined as acquisitions director. Previously, she was executive editor at Harlequin.

Roger Scholl has joined as senior executive editor specializing in business and leadership. He was previously vice president and executive editor at Penguin Random House.

The literary agency announced a joint venture with Blink49 Studios to “develop and produce original content for the international marketplace,” providing “access to select clients’ work to develop and produce original projects.” Transatlantic says the partnership will, “Give our clients transparency into the adaptation of their work and an ownership stake if the project gets picked up by a buyer.”

Blink49 and Transatlantic will be co-producers on all projects developed through the deal. Transatlantic president Samantha Haywood noted: “We will always seek out the best creative alignment through our robust network of co-agents and production partners in addition to offering this unique avenue for our clients to retain a financial stake in the stories they create.”

Fifth Season, FKA Endeavor Content, is the lead strategic investor in Blink49, and their main distribution partner.