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Founder and CEO Fran Toolan will step down from his leadership position on February 1, 2023, when current CEO at the Independent Book Publishers Association Angela Bole will take over as head of Firebrand. Toolan will remain on the Firebrand Group board of directors post transition. His change in role comes exactly two years after Firebrand was acquired by Media Do International. He says in the announcement, “With the support of MD-i, the Firebrand Group is growing and innovating at an unparalleled rate of speed. The opportunities in front of us are very exciting, and I’m equally excited that Angela will be here to guide us going forward.”

Bole will depart the IBPA at the end of November. The organization’s board has already established a CEO Succession Task Force, led by incoming board chair, Karen Pavlicin.

Callie Garnett has been promoted to editorial director, reporting to publishing director Nancy Miller.

Amy Cloud has been promoted to executive editor.

Raven Quill Literary Agency is merging with The Tobias Literary Agency. Jacqui Lipton joins The Tobias Literary Agency as senior agent and head of the adult department with a focus on expanding her adult list. Kelly Dyksterhouse joins as literary agent in the children’s department. Raven Quill clients will move with their agents and be represented by Tobias going forward.