Françoise Dubruille, who has been director of the European and International Booksellers Federation since 2001, is stepping down from that position, effective April 18, 2019.
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In an announcement from the EIBF, Dubruille said that she "very much enjoyed" her time with EIBF, but this is the right moment to move on and concentrate on other projects. "EIBF represents the longest and most important commitment in my career and I've had the huge privilege of working within a community of highly committed booksellers and representatives of booksellers associations," she continued. "I have learned so much from them and made many lifelong friends that I will definitely stay in touch with."
She gave special thanks to EIBF executive committee members, "led at various stages by Doris Stockmann, the late John McNamee and currently Jean-Luc Treutenaere and Fabian Paagman," as well as "international colleagues from outside of Europe and the constant support we have got from the U.S., Russia, Australia, to name but a few."
EIBF co-president Jean-Luc Treutenaere, president of the Syndicat des Distributeurs de Loisirs Culturels in France, said that Dubruille is "not only a perfect specialist in lobbying, but she has always been very close to her staff, and to the members of EIBF. Good work and good laughs at the same time. I have learned a lot from her and I will miss her, but I know that she will be beginning her new life with energy, plenty of projects."
EIBF co-president Fabian Paagman, owner of Paagman Boekhandels, the Hague, Netherlands, added: "Although we regret Françoise's decision to leave EIBF, we also have the greatest respect for this new chapter she wishes to write in the story of her professional career. Booksellers in Europe and throughout the international community will miss her dearly, but we are very thankful that Françoise will leave while the organisation is in great shape and has a bright future ahead."
When Dubruille departs in April, Julie Belgrado, the EIBF's EU affairs and communication officer, will become director ad interim for an unspecified amount of time. She commented: "Although I am very happy that [Françoise] is moving on to new challenges, I am also saddened to see an exceptional director leaving, a great colleague and most importantly, a friend. Taking over from Françoise and walking in her footsteps will be a challenge, which I am ready to take up. I thank the EIBF co-presidents for putting their trust in me and Françoise for believing in me since the very first day. I will do my best to bring continuity to EIBF, dedicate my time to its members and serve the booksellers' interests."