Julie Burns, president of Ingram Periodicals, has been named president of the Ingram Book Company. Burns assumes the title of president from Jim Chandler, who remains chief commercial officer of Ingram Book Group. As part of her new job, Burns will take over responsibility for Ingram's sales operations as well as certain international functions, following the recent departure of Michael Pratt, who had been v-p of sales and president of Ingram International. Chandler told PW that Burns will be "fulfilling his [Pratt's] duties, but probably at a higher level. She's done a great job at the magazine company."
Burns joined Ingram in 1990 from Price Waterhouse and has been heading the periodical division for two years. "I am very excited to lead Ingram Book Company," Burns said. "This is a challenging year in the book industry, making it a great time for customers large and small to leverage the services Ingram offers. I look forward to re-establishing Ingram Book Company as the book industry's partner of choice." She will be doing double duty until a successor can be found to run Ingram Periodicals.
Burns's appointment comes approximately one week after Ingram eliminated 70 positions. The cuts represent roughly 2% of Ingram's total U.S. workforce of nearly 4,000, and positions were eliminated across the company, including jobs in marketing, sales and human resources. Ingram spokesperson Keel Hunt said the downsizing was a response to market conditions. Earlier this year, the company closed distribution centers in Chino, Calif., at a loss of 185 jobs, and in Denver, which resulted in a loss of 130 jobs.
Among those let go was Dick Malone, v-p of product management for Spring Arbor, Ingram's Christian distribution subsidiary. "Sales have been down here, and an effort is underway to cut expenses. I'm part of the cut," Malone wrote in a memo to colleagues. Malone was at Spring Arbor for 23 years and was considered by many to be one of the most influential people in the Christian publishing industry. By letting Malone go, Ingram "might have lost more than it gained," said Dan Balow, director of business development for Tyndale's Left Behind line.
