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Scholastic Children's Books managing director Elaine McQuade is leaving the company, with Hilary Murray Hill, sales and marketing director, taking on her position.
McQuade has been in her role for four years, but has now decided to "pursue new plans". She said: "It has been a great four years at Scholastic working with a wonderful, talented team and amazing, gifted and very special authors and illustrators.
"I have been talking for some time with Alan Hurcombe [group m.d of Scholastic UK] about moving in a new direction professionally but I didn’t want to leave until Alan had chosen a new m.d. I know with Hilary in this role I will leave the organisation in extremely good hands."
Murray Hill said she was "delighted" to take on her new role, and will become the m.d. with effect from January 1st. She said: "There is no doubt about the challenges we face as an industry, but I believe that Scholastic is well placed to meet them."
Hurcombe said: "It is with regret that I have accepted Elaine’s decision and I wish her every success in her future plans. Elaine has made a great contribution to all areas of Scholastic UK and her commitment and enthusiasm will be missed."
He added: "Hilary has done a wonderful job as Sales and Marketing Director, and is currently leading our work on trade fulfilment outsourcing. Hilary will bring insight, clarity and experience to her new position, and to the overall Scholastic UK executive management team. I very much look forward to working with her."
Earlier this year, Scholastic went into consultation with 31 staff after a decision to move its trade distribution to HarperCollins. The children's publisher also revealed an operating loss of £7.6m for the year to 31st May 2009.