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Random House merges rep forces

04.06.08 Benedicte Page

The Random House Group is restructuring its field sales force, with six jobs expected to go. The new structure will see a single consolidated sales team representing titles across the whole of the group; previously Transworld titles were represented separately. The overall number of reps is likely to drop from 23 to 17.

The move follows a previous reduction in the RH rep force, down from 33 to 26, in 2005. The publisher said the new restructure was a consequence of the consolidation of the retail market and the trend towards centralised buying by the large retailers, but that its field sales force remained one of the largest group sales teams in trade publishing.

Group sales director Garry Prior said reps would now be covering smaller geographical areas and have "more time to focus their energies on aspects of the role where they can positively influence the business and add value, such as regional titles and local marketing activity".

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By David R N Livesley - Woodstock Vermont

It has pleasantly amazed me how the Random House group has been so supportive of it's rep forces for so long. Some publishing companies seem to be very brutal in their treatment of long term sales plodders. I deduce that the accountants have correctly ruled that a cost correction was needed in the light of changing sales needs. Some of those removed could I agree be past their sell by date, but some are simply in the wrong place at the wrong time. Random House I believe have been very supportive with staff who have chosen or been chosen to move into fresh areas of the sales world. I think the group should be commended for it's sensitivity. Now I'd love to see their Sales Executives return to driving Morris Travellers.....and of course wearing a pork pie hat!

12 Jun 08 17:33

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By FIG

Well I for one think that business should cut out wastage with a knife and spare no emotion. For too long too many inefficient folks have got away with thinking that the world owes them a living. Whether it be sales folks or others....give the shareholders value!

12 Jun 08 18:24

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