Book People appoints Kittlety as it targets schools business

The Book People has appointed former Troubadour sales director, Rob Kittlety, as managing director of field sales.

His appointment coincides with the company’s plans to expand into the primary school sector with “book buses” and by holding book fairs for children over the next 12 months.

In his new role, Kittlety will be responsible for the field sales operations and managing the company’s vast distributor network across the UK and Ireland.

He has over 16 years’ experience in the industry. After originally heading up the Troubadour Telesales team, Kittlety became sales director, overseeing its distribution department with total responsibility for a network of book fairs covering the UK and Ireland.

Simon Mason, c.o.o of Book People, said: “We’re very pleased that Rob has joined the team. He brings with him a wealth of knowledge, commercial acumen and industry experience. As part of our multi-channel approach, we look forward to growing our field sales division with Rob at the helm by utilising his insight and fantastic industry relationships.”

Kittlety added: “I’m delighted to be starting a new chapter in my career with Book People, and look forward to working alongside such creative-minded and passionate people. With my experience of working with a very strong telesales team and the reputation of a market leading company in the Book People, I am very excited to be taking on this challenge as the new managing director of field sales.”

In its latest set of results to the year ending 31st December 2015, the retailer’s revenue dropped from £78.8m to £73.0m year-on-year and gross margin was £33.9m in 2015, down from £35.2m a year earlier. However, EBITDA was £4.6m, compared with £0.3m in 2014, leading the retailer’s c.e.o William Wellesley to say the company was a profitable and successful business.