Former Simon & Schuster sales chief Larry Norton will join Borders August 31 as senior v-p for merchandising and distribution, a new position. At Borders, Norton will be responsible for leading the merchandising team, which includes the buying and planning organization for all Borders and Waldenbooks stores as well as the distribution group, which manages the company’s national logistics network. He will report to Anne Kubek, executive v-p of merchandising and marketing.
“Larry’s depth of experience within publishing and supply chain management is critical to Borders as we address our strategic priorities, including re-engaging with customers as a serious bookseller and improving execution in our stores and throughout our entire organization,” said Borders Group CEO Ron Marshall in a statement. Norton was with S&S for 13 years, rising to become president of the sales and distribution division. For the past two years he has been a consultant.
Borders Group also announced today a reorganization of its Paperchase U.S. leadership team. The rearrangement is meant to strengthen alignment with the U.K. headquarters of the gift and stationery retailer. Paperchase U.S. president Dick Lynch is leaving the company, and Jim Frering is joining Borders Group as v-p, Paperchase U.S. Operations. Frering is based in Michigan and reports to Simon Howes, head of retail at Paperchase U.K., headquartered in London. He was previously with Linens ‘N Things for 10 years. In addition, Teresa Wright, v-p of Paperchase U.S. merchandising, is moving over to the buying team headed by Mike Oprins, Borders Group v-p, merchandising-non-book.
