Just prior to the announcement that IDG Books was acquiring Macmillan General Reference (News, July 5) the company made a number of editorial and marketing appointments. A Macmillan spokesperson said the merger will not affect the new roles given to staff members.
Among the appointments was that of Jennifer Feldman, who was named publisher, Macmillan Brands. In her new capacity, Feldman will head publishing and bottom-line operations for key licensed imprints, including Betty Crocker cookbooks, Weight Watchers cookbooks, Burpee gardening books and future branded imprints. Previously, Feldman was director of marketing for all imprints.
Dominique DeVito was appointed publisher of Howell Book House, the imprint covering pet companions. DeVito was an HBH editor. Vice-president and general manager Walter Kazmierczak was named publisher of Frommer's.com.
In other Macmillan appointments, Jessica Faust, formerly senior editor of the Complete Idiot's Guide series, was named senior editor of the Unofficial Guide series; Margaret Durante was promoted to director of marketing and publicity, where she will handle promotion for branded and single-title imprints. Durante previously was director of publicity.
