Ruffino appointed m.d of S&S Australia

Simon & Schuster Australia has appointed Dan Ruffino as m.d., following the departure of Lou Johnson.

Ruffino has worked in publishing in Australia and the US for 25 years, most recently as creative director of the government-funded Get Reading! Programme. He was previously global digital director for the Penguin Group in New York.

He will report into Ian Chapman, chief executive and publisher, Simon & Schuster UK and International. Chapman said: "Dan’s many accomplishments and wealth of experience in both traditional and digital publishing will help build on the well-established strengths of Simon & Schuster Australia. He is admired and respected throughout the Australian industry and in the UK and the US, and his expertise and drive will be pivotal to the company’s ambitions for even greater success in this key market.”

Ruffino said: "I am passionate about connecting writers with readers and look forward to working closely with my colleagues internationally and with local booksellers, authors and agents to continue to accelerate the growth of the business in Australia."

It was announced in September that Johnson would be leaving after six years to pursue new opportunities. Johnson leaves on 18th December, with Ruffino starting on 5th January.