from Bookseller & Publisher’s online newsletter July 2010

BURGESS TO LEAVE A&U, JOIN RHYW

Allen & Unwin sales director Chris Burgess will leave the company on 29 July to take up the position of general manager at ReadHowYouWant (RHYW). Burgess will take up the newly created role of general manager (ANZ) following Mark Tanner's recent appointment at Google.

Burgess “will have responsibility for operations in Australia, New Zealand and the UK as well as internet sales and online marketing worldwide,” said a statement from RHYW.

“Chris has been a marvelous asset to Allen & Unwin and we're greatly sorry to see him leaving,” A&U CEO Robert Gorman told the Weekly Book Newsletter. “His passions for books, commitment to booksellers and wonderful communication skills have allowed him to do a tremendous job as our sales director.”

“Chris is one of those colleagues we all delight in, and benefit from, working with,” he added. “Allen & Unwin's loss is certainly ReadHowYouWant's gain.”

RHYW works with publishers to provide accessible format titles including large print and braille on a print on demand basis in Australia, New Zealand and the US, UK and Canadian markets. It also provides e-book conversion and distribution services. 

“Coming shortly after the signing-up of most significant Australian publishers to our service, securing a candidate of Chris Burgess' experience, entrepreneurial flair and status within the industry marks another exciting step in the growth of our company,” RHYW founder Chris Stephen told the Weekly Book Newsletter. “We feel confident that under his guidance we can continue to expand our range of markets, products and services to publishers, booksellers, libraries and consumers.”

Burgess joined Allen & Unwin in March 2009, having previously held the position of general manager at Leading Edge Books.