Watrous Resigns from Globe Pequot

By Judith Rosen -- Publishers Weekly, 6/25/2009 9:45:00 AM

Scott Watrous, who has led the Globe Pequot Press since 2006, has resigned as president and publisher, effective immediately. Jim Joseph, COO of GPP, has assumed Watrous’ duties on an interim basis. Joseph, who has been with GPP for 11 years, thanked Watrous for his “energy, vision, and tireless leadership these last three years,” and said in his absence “business at GPP will continue as usual.”

The former COO of Adams Media, Watrous sought to expand the Guilford, Conn.-based press's list beyond its two strongest categories, travel and outdoors. Under his watch GPP acquired several big money, big name titles like Peter Golenbock's 7: The Mickey Mantle Novel. But in April of this year, like other houses, GPP was forced to cut back. Its staff along with the  staff of parent company Morris Communications were asked to take 5% to 10% pay cuts. Although no one was laid off, some left, like group publisher Gary Krebs, who had worked with Watrous at Adams and took a position with McGraw-Hill Professional.