In an appointment reported to reflect the company's commitment to expanding its international operations, Advanced Marketing Services has named Bruce Derkash to the newly created post of vice-president, international. Derkash, who will join AMS December 1, most recently served as vice-president, Latin American business development, for Hasbro. He will be based at AMS's San Diego headquarters and report directly to company president Michael Nicita.

Nicita said Derkash's "experience in international sales and distribution in Latin America, Europe and Asia, and especially his proven ability to enter and develop new international marketplaces, will be essential in achieving our international goals." AMS's boldest international move to date has been its March acquisition of the U.K.-based Aura Books.