Last month we noted STL UK’s forthcoming name change to ‘Biblica’, mentioned in the small print on the Wesley Owen volunteer leaflet, Wesley Owen Want You – and a New Name for STL UK? There’s still been no official announcement about that that I’m aware of, via the STL Blog or elsewhere.
Now, courtesy of Christian Retailing USA, report dated April 2nd 2009 and spotted by the eagle-eyed Chris Land of Redruth Christian Book Centre, we learn more of what’s afoot for us here in the UK:
Keith Danby, the global CEO of IBS-STL, has announced a series of leadership changes for the international publishing and distribution group’s U.K. operations…
Detailing the changes in a letter to industry leaders, Danby said the economic challenges that had hit IBS-STL UK and other organizations had been compounded by difficulties with a new computer system, whose installation in October “did not go as smoothly as we would have liked and, indeed, caused problems for our suppliers and customers.” …
Under the new management structure, David Young will serve as general manager and director of human resources, coordinating day-to-day operations in the U.K. as Danby continues to travel in his ongoing role with IBS-STL Global.
As part of the changes Malcolm Stockdale is stepping down as managing director of ISB-STL UK’s Wesley Owen stores to head up a new IBS-STL UK joint venture with a Christian Web company to serve churches and parachurch organizations.
Hello Keith :: friendly wave :: big smile — I know lots of people think the USA is the Centre of the Universe these days, but this is the UK division you’re rearranging: it would be good if you could keep your UK partners in the loop too, please.
I suspect I’m not alone in feeling more than a tad … how shall we say this politely? … irritated … by the continuing chaos that has disrupted the UK’s Christian book trade since the less than smooth implementation of that “new computer system”. Finding out about these plans like this feels rather like rubbing salt in the wounds…
David, Malcolm: I take this opportunity to wish both of you well in your new roles.
Malcolm: would love it if you’d be kind enough to tell us more about this “joint venture with a Christian Web company to serve churches and parachurch organizations” and what this might imply for STL’s relationship with us, your existing Christian retail partners, please.
Thank you.
