Karen Rinaldi, who left Bloomsbury Press in March 2008 to head the book division at Rodale, has left the company. Rodale CEO Maria Rodale has named Stephen Perrine acting publisher and told PW the company remains committed to publishing “unique health and wellness titles” for the trade and direct markets and for digital devices. In his new role, Perrine will report to David Zinczenko, Rodale executive v-p and editor-in-chief of Men’s Health.
Rinaldi’ s departure comes one month after Colin Dickerman left the publisher for Penguin Press. Dickerman, along with Pam Krauss, had been hired by Rinaldi to spearhead the editorial operations of Rodale’s book group with Dickerman focused on narrative nonfiction and lifestyle books while Kraus concentrated on illustrated titles. A spokesperson said Rodale “still want[s] to continue to publish the best in our core categories, including strong narratives on the subject of health, wellness, and the environment. We'll continually look for projects that we know will best connect with Rodale's audience.” Krauss remains with the company.
Rinaldi was one of two high-placed executives to leave the company yesterday. Gregg Michaelson, president of the integrated media division, also stepped down. While Perrine will oversee the editorial side of the book group Rich Alleger, senior v-p of retail sales, will oversee the marketing and distribution for trade and e-book sales. Maria Rodale said changes in the book group were “in line with my vision for Rodale’s future as a media and lifestyle company.”
In a statement Rinaldi said: “During my time at Rodale, I have had the great privilege of working with some of the world’s most authoritative authors and thinkers. With an impressive team behind me, we were able to build a strong publishing program, one with great reach and influence, as well as building an unprecedented collection of bestsellers. Rodale is well positioned for the dynamic changes in the book industry and I have no doubt that this will continue under the new leadership.”
