Lori Benton has been named senior v-p, children's publishing at Abrams, where she will oversee all aspects of Abrams' children's publishing, including strategic planning, content development, digital publishing initiatives, and cross-functional collaboration across the company's various channels. She will be responsible for expanding the division's market presence while maintaining Abrams' reputation for high-quality, beautifully illustrated children's books.
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| Lori Benton (photo: Rachel Coun) | |
She was most recently v-p, publisher, at Scholastic, where she oversaw Orchard Books, Scholastic Press Picture Books, Cartwheel, Scholastic Audio, and Weston Woods. Before joining to Scholastic in 2011, she held executive roles at Harcourt, including v-p, publisher of the children's books division, and at William Morrow.
She has also served as chairman of the Research Committee of the Audio Publishers Association, chair and treasurer at the Children's Book Council, and chairman of the board of Every Child a Reader Literacy Foundation.
"We are thrilled to welcome Lori to the Abrams family," said Mary McAveney, Abrams president and CEO. "Her exceptional track record in driving publishing innovation, building strategic partnerships, and developing successful children's content makes her the ideal leader to guide our children's division into its next chapter of growth."
Benton said, "With its rich history of publishing groundbreaking and visually stunning books--from iconic series like Diary of a Wimpy Kid to award-winning picture books and acclaimed graphic novels--Abrams has been a creative force in children's publishing. I'm honored to help carry that legacy forward and excited to work with the incredibly talented team to bring new talents, unforgettable storytelling, and inspiring characters to young readers everywhere."