After 20 years at Quirk Books, Brett Cohen has resigned as president and publisher of the independent publisher, a move that has prompted a number of organizational changes. With Cohen’s departure, Quirk founder and owner David Borgenicht is returning to his role as president, and Jhanteigh Kupihea has been promoted to publisher.
Kupihea joined Quirk in 2018 as editorial director after a stint at Atria. As publisher, Kupihea will lead Quirk's creative group, the publisher said, and will have overall responsibility for its adult and children’s lists. She will also continue to edit select titles.
In a second major promotion, Nicole De Jackmo has been appointed to the newly created role of senior v-p, of sales, marketing, and publicity. De Jackmo joined Quirk in 2011, and has headed the marketing and publicity campaigns for a number of the company’s bestsellers, including Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children and The Southern Book Club’s Guide to Slaying Vampires.
Quirk also announced five other promotions, including that of Megan DiPasquale to v-p of finance and Andie Reid to art director. Quirk said it also plans to hire four new staff members. With the changes, Moneka Hewlett has stepped down as v-p director of sales.
Cohen added the duties of Quirk publisher to his presidential responsibilities in January 2018 following the resignation of Jason Rekulak.
In returning as president, Borgenicht will be responsible for leading the executive team, as well overseeing the company’s business and partnership development. In a statement, Borgenicht said that, while Cohen and Hewlett will be missed, the changes will transform Quirk’s culture and organization, adding that the change “positions Quirk to grow creatively and move forward with renewed energy and excitement toward a larger vision and long-term plan.”
