Seth Russo, v-p and director of international sales at Simon & Schuster, will retire from the publisher, S&S senior v-p of sales Gary Urda wrote in a letter to staff. Russo's retirement takes effect on April 20.
Russo has worked in international sales for more than 35 years, including two stints leading the Simon & Schuster international sales team, from 1992 to 1997 and from 2010 to present.
"Seth has successfully steered the international sales team through various opportunities and challenges, including the digital transition, the advent of online retailers, the rise of developing markets in Asia and the integration of many new publishers to our distribution client portfolio," Urda wrote. "In the tight-knit world of international sales, Seth’s network of worldwide publishing contacts has been a boon to Simon & Schuster."
With Russo’s forthcoming retirement, Colin Shields, v-p and executive director, global digital and international sales, will take on the direct, day-to-day responsibility for our international sales channel. Newly reporting to Shields will be Rema Badwan, senior marketing manager, international sales, and Danielle Cumbo, director of international sales.
In a final change, Urda said Chrissy Festa will now add audio sales to her portfolio as director, audio, digital, and online sales.
