Senior Appointments Announced at Penguin Random House Australia

Julie Burland, CEO, Penguin Random House Australia and New Zealand, announced several senior appointments for the company as well as a reorganization that cut 15 positions.

First, Gavin Schwarcz, previously sales director at Penguin Random House Australia, was named sales and operations director, Penguin Random House Australia. He now takes overall responsibility for the company’s distribution, production and Penguin Random House business development teams.

Also, Alysha Farry, previously head of consumer marketing, Penguin Books Australia, was appointed to marketing director, Penguin Random House Australia, while Karen Reid has been promoted to publicity and communications director, Penguin Random House Australia. In the children’s department, Dorothy Tonkin was promoted to head of children’s marketing and publicity, Penguin Random House Australia. She previously held the role of children's marketing and publicity manager. In HR, Belinda Hansen was named human resources director, Penguin Random House Australia and New Zealand. 

Each of these senior appointments will report to Burland and is effective immediately.

Among the internal promotions, Richard Alweyn, previously v-p finance at CEVA Logistics, will join the company as chief financial officer, Penguin Random House Australia and New Zealand, on December 21.

These appointments follow a restructure announcement last week in which Penguin Random House said 15 roles would be impacted in its Australian business.