Coming off a year when sales increased by nearly 15%, Running Press publisher Buz Teacher has initiated two moves that he hopes will speed the Philadelphia-based company's international growth. To that end, Teacher has appointed Moira McCann to head Running Press's new U.K. subsidiary, in which she will serve as director of European sales. McCann, who had been publishing director for Quadrillion, will be in charge of book sales in the U.K. and continental Europe as well as international book clubs. With McCann in place, Teacher told PW he expects a 60% increase in U.K. sales in 1999.
Running Press's second international move involves selling its own list directly in Canada, where the company will be working with reps from the Manda Group. Previously, Running Press titles were distributed in Canada by General Publishing. "Canada has always been an excellent market for us, and we've grown to a size where establishing a larger presence was the next step," Teacher said. Running Press will also continue to publish a limited number of titles specifically for the Canadian market. Teacher expects sales in Canada to double this year.
Back in the U.S., Running Press has been steadily adding to its staff, now up to 90, including creating a couple of new positions. Carlo DeVito has been named associate publisher, sales and marketing, and brand manager for the company's popular Miniature Editions line; he will be responsible for planning the line's long-term strategy. Teacher is also looking to fill the newly created spot of executive sales director.
Other recent hires include Brian Perrin, editorial director; Rick Kelly, director of gift sales; Sarah Wolfe, director of special sales; Bill Luckey, director of production; Jennifer Worrick, editorial director; and Andrew Osvick, national accounts manager.
