After announcing the relaunch of its client distribution services unit last year, Random House signed its largest client to date last week, Rizzoli International Publications. RH will represent Rizzoli, its Universe Publishing imprint and client lines—Flammarion, Skira and White Star—to the trade in both the U.S. and Canada, starting January 1, 2005, with the spring list. Rizzoli has been with Holtzbrinck Publishers for more than a decade.
According to Rizzoli v-p of sales and marketing Jennifer Pierson, "The relationship between Holtzbrinck and Rizzoli is a good one." But, she added, "it's a delightful opportunity for us, because we will get lots of attention. There's no question that we will be the poster child for Random House." She called its sales group "very impressive."
In addition to Rizzoli, RH has signed on two smaller clients. The company will handle sales and distribution for the Atlanta startup Real U and back-office operations for Rugged Land.
