MAIN NEWS HEADLINES
September 28 – October 5, 2006 Edition
Scholastic Announces
Top-Level Appointments
In Trade Publishing Division
New York, NY/9/25/06—Scholastic, the global childrens publishing, education and media company, has announced key appointments in the Trade Publishing division: Ellie Berger was named Senior Vice President, Publisher; and Andrea Davis Pinkney was named Vice President, Editor-at-Large. In addition, it was announced that Corinne Helman, Vice President, Business Development is expanding her role in the division. All three executives continue to report to Lisa Holton, President, Book Fairs and Trade, and their new roles are effective immediately.
In making the announcements, Lisa Holton said, We are in the midst of an exciting time in the trade division with this summers paperback release of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, a one-million copy first printing of the latest in the Captain Underpants series, and this weeks release of Maurice Sendaks first pop-up book, MOMMY?. As we evolve our publishing program to reach a greater number of todays readers and to entice many more new ones, we are also evolving our organization to respond to the rapid changes taking place in the market. The experience, creativity, intelligence, and passion of these three extraordinary executives will continue to drive forward the current momentum we are experiencing in the trade publishing division.
In her new role, Ellie Berger will oversee the strategic direction of the Trade publishing program. She will work closely with the editorial staff to acquire and develop great books, balance the Scholastic portfolio of titles to serve the rich diversity of readers, work closely with all Scholastic channels to better inform publishing decisions, and focus on developing new series and franchises. She will also oversee all production processes as the Scholastic editors bring their books to life.
Reporting to Ellie will be Klutz®, The Chicken House, Scholastic Press, Orchard Books, Cartwheel Books® and Licensed Publishing as well as the production team. Together, she and Lisa Holton will work closely with the paperback publishing group as well as with Bonnie Verburg, Arthur A. Levine and Michael di Capua who continue to nurture exciting authors and artists in their individual imprints.
Ellie is one of the most experienced and respected professionals in publishing, said Holton. Her depth and breadth of knowledge, her enthusiasm for Scholastics channels and their unique connection to readers, and her passion for books and kids make her the ideal person to assume this critical role.
Ms. Berger joined Scholastic in 1985 as Managing Editor and has since held numerous positions. In addition to negotiating strategic relationships and managing the divisions sales, marketing, operations and production departments, she has been involved in guiding the complex sales and logistical operations around the publication of the Harry Potter books.
In announcing Andrea Pinkneys role as Vice President, Editor-at-Large, Holton remarked, Now Andrea can fully devote her time and energy to her true passions working directly with authors, acquiring exciting new properties and publishing brilliant, beautiful books. She brings tremendous strategic value to Scholastic through her publishing expertise and is a key player in our overall publishing vision.
Since joining Scholastic in December 2005, Ms. Pinkney has acquired titles including Hotlanta by Denene Milner and Mitzi Miller, The Clone Journals series by Patricia C. McKissack, Odetta by Stephen Alcorn, and several new projects by Walter Dean Myers. Before joining Scholastic, Andrea Pinkney established a proven track record of publishing high-profile books and award winners. She is also the author of twenty books for children, including Let It Shine: Stories of Black Women Freedom Fighters, which won the Coretta Scott King Honor Award in 2001.
Corinne Helman joined Scholastic in March 2006 as Vice President, Business Development, and is now taking on additional responsibilities overseeing all business operations, planning and financial analysis. Lisa Holton said, Corinnes leadership as well as her entrepreneurial spirit, financial acumen, and keen understanding of new technology are the ideal complement to the talented trade publishing and editorial team. She is a key strategic partner for both Book Fairs and Trade.
Scholastic Corporation (NASDAQ: SCHL) is the world’s largest publisher and distributor of children’s books and a leader in educational technology. Scholastic creates quality educational and entertaining materials and products for use in school and at home, including children’s books, magazines, technology-based products, teacher materials, television programming, film, videos and toys. The Company distributes its products and services through a variety of channels, including proprietary school-based book clubs, school-based book fairs, and school-based and direct-to-home continuity programs; retail stores, schools, libraries and television networks; and the Company’s Internet site, www.scholastic.com.
