As part of its ongoing efforts to streamline its sales operations and centralize key activities, HarperCollins president of sales Ed Spade has announced more changes to the sales department. The moves come about four weeks after HarperCollins announced the departure of Mary Beth Thomas, VP and director of independent retail sales, and began offering salespeople voluntary buyouts.
To take over some of Thomas's duties in the independent sales channel, Spade announced that Kathy Faber, VP of independent sales and wholesale, will take on additional responsibilities for managing HarperCollins' field and telesales reps in the indie channel, and Wendy Ceballos will take on the expanded role of director of retail marketing and independent sales. Spade said that among Faber and Ceballos's responsibilities will be improving HarperCollins' indie partnerships, programs, and efforts. In addition, Ceballos will take the lead on HarperCollins' adult and Harlequin titles in the indie channel, and Faber will lead on children’s and for the overarching HarperCollins strategy in the channel.
Additionally, Kelly Roberts has been promoted to VP and deputy director of sales for general books and Harlequin. In this newly created role, Roberts will now manage strategy for the national accounts and independent sales channels in addition to her existing divisional responsibilities.
Elsewhere in sales, Andy LeCount, VP of national accounts, will expand his oversight to include the wholesale channel for general books and Harlequin. Kristine Macrides will take on the newly created role of senior director of divisional sales and sales planning.
In the children's division, Jen Wygand has been promoted to director of national accounts and brand management. In this role, Wygand will now also lead efforts in maximizing sales and promotional efforts for HarperCollins' top brands and properties across all channels.
