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Contact: Kimberly Burns, kb@kimberlyburnspr.com or 212-226-0981

 

KIRKUS PROMOTES MEG LABORDE KUEHN TO CEO

Kuehn helmed company turn-around, aggressive content expansion and oversaw exponential revenue increases

 

AUSTIN, TX, February 23, 2015 – Today, Kirkus Media announced the appointment of Meg LaBorde Kuehn as chief executive officer. The position is newly created in response to Kirkus’ recent, aggressive content expansion and exponential revenue increases since 2010 when Herb Simon and Marc Winkelman bought the then-struggling media company. In less than five years and under Kuehn’s stewardship as chief operating officer, Kirkus has increased its total revenue by $2.5 million and has simultaneously grown its feature coverage more than 350 percent. In 2014 alone, Kirkus published over 10,800 book reviews, (a 138 percent increase from 2009), conducted nearly 1,000 feature interviews, and launched Kirkus TV with over 30 original author video interviews. Also in 2014, the Kirkus Prize, one of the world’s largest annual prizes for authors, was established.

“It’s been five years since Herb Simon and I bought Kirkus Media, and no one has been more important to the company’s turn-around than Meg,” said Kirkus Media’s president and publisher Marc Winkelman. “Meg has been an extraordinary leader for Kirkus, someone who inspires our staff and brings innovative ideas that have rejuvenated an 82-year-old institution in publishing.”

Kuehn began her career in publishing 15 years ago as a literary publicist. From 2000-2008, she was executive vice president and then chief operating officer of Greenleaf Book Group, helping to build Greenleaf into one of the fastest growing companies in America, (It was named to the 2006 Inc. 500 list.) From 2006 to 2008, Kuehn also served as deputy publisher at Bard Press, an award-winning business book publisher, and in 2008, was profiled in Publishers Weekly’s “50 under 40” feature. Brought on as Kirkus’ vice president of business development in early 2011, Kuehn was named COO in January 2012 and as of February 2015, CEO.

“Being given the opportunity to turn around a company started in 1933 and usher it into the modern age has been a dream job for me,” Kuehn said. “It has been tremendously rewarding to discover new ways of supporting writers and the publishing industry at large while expanding the company’s traditional sources of revenue. Working with an engaged, passionate staff and owners who are true book lovers has made the entire experience unforgettable.”

The editorial, technology, sales and marketing leaders will continue to report to Kuehn, who reports to Kirkus Media owners Marc Winkelman and Herb Simon.

About Kirkus Reviews

Founded in 1933, Kirkus has been an authoritative voice in book discovery for over 80 years. Kirkus Reviews magazine gives industry professionals a sneak peek at the most notable books being published weeks before they’re released. When the books become available for purchase, Kirkus serves the reviews to consumers in a weekly email newsletter and on kirkus.com, giving readers unbiased, critical recommendations they can trust.

Kirkus also has a full suite of professional services, including Kirkus Indie, a review service for self-publishers; Kirkus Editorial, book editing services for publishers as well as unpublished and self-published authors; and Kirkus Pro Connect, a platform that helps authors get discovered by industry influencers, such as publishers, agents and film executives. For more information, visit www.kirkus.com.

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