The Bookseller.com

2nd December 2008

Bloomsbury's Charkin ready for "guerilla" role

22.11.07 Joel Rickett

Richard Charkin is taking direct control of Bloomsbury’s UK and US trade business, with c.e.o. Nigel Newton focusing on its international activities and reference division A & C Black.

When Charkin made the move from Macmillan, his executive director role was said to focus on “spearheading growth through acquisitions, new publishing areas and international expansion”. But after settling in, he and Newton have decided he should concentrate on the trans–atlantic trade business.

Charkin’s official title will be managing director of Bloomsbury UK & US. Reporting to him will be the company’s trade board, including Kathleen Farrar, Alexandra Pringle, Sarah Odedina, David Ward, Ruth Logan and Penny Edwards, as well as Karen Rinaldi, head of Bloomsbury USA.

Charkin said he is relishing the hands-on trade role, and is not planning any dramatic changes immediately. “I once said trade publishing was more about guerilla warfare than strategic planning, and I think that’s still true,” he said. “It’s about making sure every single sale is made.” The restructure of the London operation is continuing, with up to eight departures expected, largely from marketing and children’s editorial.

Joel Rickett Richard Charkin Bloomsbury

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