Two of the country's largest children's book publishers have made personnel changes. Disney Publishing Worldwide has named Liza Baker editorial director for Hyperion Books for Children, while Random House has named Joan DeMayo v-p, director of children's sales.
Baker moves to Disney from Scholastic, where she was a senior editor in charge of editorial management for series such as McGrowl, HipKidHop and the Harry Potter licensed publishing program. She replaces Andrea Pinkney, who left Disney earlier this year to head Houghton Mifflin's children's division. Baker, who starts December 2, is also the author of several children's books, including I Love You Because You're You. Disney said Baker will guide the "strategic vision" for Hyperion Books for Children, a role that includes overseeing acquisitions, attracting new talent and monitoring trends in the children's media industry.
DeMayo assumed her new position last month after having served as v-p, sales director for the Crown Publishing Group. In her role, DeMayo is reunited with Chip Gibson, former head of Crown who is now president of the children's group.
