PublishersLunch
President and Publisher of Random House
Children's Books Chip Gibson is stepping down after 10 years of running the
division and 30 years at Random House. CEO Markus Dohle writes that "with
Children's enjoying a successful 2012, and well set for the future, Chip feels
he has accomplished almost everything he originally set out to do
professionally. Now, he wants to take an extended break from work." Dohle
added, "Chip has transformed the workplace culture at Children's and
impacted young readers everywhere -- not just with their beloved books but also
with their genuine commitment to philanthropy and community service."
He is replaced immediately by Barbara
Marcus, who returns to her first full-time position since stepping down as
president of Scholastic in 2005. (Gibson will depart at the end of this week;
Marcus has started meeting the team, and will formally take over later this
month.) Marcus will join Random House's worldwide board as well. Dohle adds:
"Barbara is one of the most qualified, and sought-after, children’s books
leaders in our industry, as revered for her publishing track record as she is
for her great heart and team-building -- values that align with the Random
House culture. And this is why Barbara agreed to join us and help shape the
future of the world's most special trade book publishing company."
Since leaving Scholastic, Marcus's
consulting and strategic innovations work has included serving as an advisor to
both Penguin Children's and Macmillan Children's, as well as working with Open
Road on their children's program. Marcus will remain on the advisory board at
Open Road (where she recruited Timothy Travaglini as director of children's
acquisitions this spring).
Marcus tells us, "When this came
along, I knew I was ready" to return to a full-time publishing position.
Since "they are a very successful organization" with "a team
that is very professional and really accomplished," her plan to is
"to understand that first, and then see what I can add to that."
No comments:
Post a Comment