Phoenix International Publications Restructures International Sales Team

Chicago-based Phoenix International Publications (PIP) recently restructured its international sales team in an effort to meet global demand for its robust lineup of sound and novelty books for kids.

“As we better align ourselves to continue to operate as a leading global business, I’m thrilled by the wealth of experience and industry knowledge this team has to offer,” says Jim Riordan, PIP’s chief revenue officer. “I look forward to working together to continue to grow PIP’s worldwide presence in the marketplace.”

Four executives were promoted during the restructuring, including John Russell, who will take on the role of vice president, global licensing.

Additional promotions include Beth Drumm to general manager, Asia Pacific; Montserrat Báez to general manager, Latin America; and Keith Allen-Jones to general manager, EMEA. All newly-appointed managers will continue to report to Riordan.

PIP operates several imprints including PI Kids, Sequoia Children’s Publishing, PI Fun Worx, and Cardinal Media.

About the author

James Zahn

James Zahn, AKA The Rock Father, is Editor-in-Chief of The Toy Book, a Senior Editor at The Toy Insider and The Pop Insider, and Editor of The Toy Report, The Toy Book‘s weekly industry newsletter. As a pop culture and toy industry expert, Zahn has appeared as a panelist and guest at events including Comic-Con International: San Diego (SDCC) Wizard World Chicago, and the ASTRA Marketplace & Academy. Zahn has more than 30 years of experience in the entertainment, retail, and publishing industries, and is frequently called upon to offer expert commentary for publications such as Forbes, Marketwatch, the Wall Street Journal, the New York Times, USA Today, Reuters, the Washington Post, and more. James has appeared on History Channel’s Modern Marvels, was interviewed by Larry King and Anderson Cooper, and has been seen on Yahoo! Finance, CNN, CNBC, FOX Business, NBC, ABC, CBS, WGN, The CW, and more. Zahn joined the Adventure Media & Events family in 2016, initially serving as a member of the Parent Advisory Board after penning articles for the Netflix Stream Team, Fandango Family, PBS KIDS, Sprout Parents (now Universal Kids), PopSugar, and Chicago Parent. He eventually joined the company full time as a Senior Editor and moved up the ranks to Deputy Editor and Editor-in-Chief.