People 9/2

Scholastic announced that the founding directors of Chicken House Publishing will step down after 25 years on December 31. This includes managing director Barry Cunningham, deputy managing director Rachel Hickman, and rights director Elinor Bagenal. Current editorial director Rachel Leyshon will become publisher as of January 1, 2026.

Iole Lucchese at Scholastic comments: “Barry, Rachel and Elinor have had iconic careers worthy of celebrating and the Scholastic family all wishes them the best in their retirements. Chicken House and its enduring legacy will continue to be cherished, with Rachel Leyshon the best person to take its publishing forward.”

Renata Sweeney has joined as director of online marketing, audience development.

Hanif Abdurraqib has been named the first-ever nonfiction editor at the literary journal.

Lynn Grady joins as vice president and agent based in New York City. She was previously svp and deputy publisher at William Morrow, publisher at Dey Street Books and group publisher at Chronicle Books.

Pete Mulvihill joins as agent based in San Francisco. He is also the co-owner of Green Apple Books.

Lily McMahon joins as literary associate based in San Francisco. McMahon was most recently an assistant editor at Bloomsbury UK.