People 8/15

In a joint decision with the group’s board of directors, ceo Stina Andersson will step down from her role due to “difference in opinion about the strategic direction of the investment activities.” Board chair Erik Haegerstrand takes over as ceo.

“It is unfortunate that we have reached this decision, despite the best intentions and ambitions. However, we have jointly concluded that this is the best way forward,” Haegerstrand said in a release.

“Alignment between the board and the ceo is essential, and unfortunately, we have not quite got there. In this situation it is better that we go separate ways,” Andersson said.

CFO Janet Gervasio will retire at the end of January. The company will conduct an executive search for her replacement this fall.

Under their new ownership, the company celebrated signing 19 new publishers to their Ignition program this year — including HarperCollins, the first of the five largest trade publishers to work with Open Road, as well as Scholastic.

Meredith Clark has joined as senior editor, acquiring book club and general fiction. She was previously senior editor at Abrams.

Trudy Fegan joins on contract as communications coordinator, reporting to Jared Bland, following his recently announced appointment to the new role of vp communications and community.

Taylor Berry has been promoted to director, online and digital sales.

Kelly Rankin has been promoted to senior manager, Amazon sales.

Sarah Seto has been promoted to manager, ebook and digital audiobook sales and merchandising.

Sylvia Chan has been promoted to associate director, marketing and publicity, young readers. Newly reporting to her is Anthony de Ridder, who will move over from his current place on the marketing design team into a dedicated marketing designer role for the young readers team.