Following U.K-based Bloomsbury's decision to divide its worldwide business into consumer and non-consumer divisions, the company's U.S. branch has promoted Cindy Loh to the newly created role of v-p and publishing director of consumer publishing. Loh, who has been publishing director of Bloomsbury's American children's unit since 2012, will oversee both adult and children's publishing in the U.S.
As a result of the restructuring, George Gibson, currently publishing director, adult, will leave the company after Thanksgiving, ending a 23-year career with the company. A Bloomsbury spokesperson said no other changes are planned, although Loh will be looking to add a new editorial director for fiction.
“In the last four years, Cindy has significantly grown children's revenue and profit in the U.S." Emma Hopkin, managing director of Bloomsbury's worldwide consumer publishing branch, said in a statement. "She will bring to her new role the leadership and management skills required to ensure a bright future for all the authors and illustrators in our consumer division and also bring a new focus on our adult publishing." Bloomsbury's sales in the U.S. have increased 36% over the last five years to $52 million.
Executive director Richard Charkin will assume the role of president of Bloomsbury USA during the changeover period.
"This is an extraordinary time of global growth and innovation for Bloomsbury, and I am thrilled to forge new paths and strategies for both lists while staying true to our reputation of quality, integrity, and top level author care," Loh said in a statement. "It's exciting to bring Bloomsbury in America forward with new opportunities and vision.”
