Nicole Winstanley, publisher of Penguin Canada, has added the new title of president of the house, replacing Mike Bryan who is retiring to return home to the U.K. Bryan, a veteran Penguin executive, took over as Penguin Canada president about two years ago following the turmoil caused by the resignation of David Davidar. In addition to Winstanley’s promotion, Barry Gallant, v-p, finance and operations, has been appointed chief operating officer.
In a statement, Bryan said, “My decision to leave has been personal and geographical but I leave knowing we have the best team in Canadian publishing and am confident Nicole and Barry will lead Penguin to even bigger and greater achievements.” Bryan will remain vice chair of Penguin Canada through the end of the year.
David Shanks, head of Penguin North America, praised Bryan for helping Penguin Canada through a difficult time. “Mike Bryan agreed to come to Penguin Canada at a time when there was a real need for his executive skills. In the time that he has been at the helm, Penguin Canada has flourished. He has overseen significant changes to the company and the company has grown stronger and stronger.” Prior to joining Penguin Canada, Bryan was president of Penguin India, and had set up companies in the Netherlands, Germany, France, Italy and Spain.
The appointments of Winstanley and Gallant, Shanks noted, puts the management of Penguin Canada in the hands of an all Canadian executive team.
