At Quirk Books, Jhanteigh Kupihea has been promoted to president and publisher, and Nicole De Jackmo has been promoted to executive v-p, deputy publisher. David Borgenicht, who founded the company in 2002 after creating the bestselling survival manual, The Worst-Case Scenario Survival Handbook, will become chairman and founder.
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| Jhanteigh Kupihea | |
Kupihea is the company's third president and the first woman to hold the title. She is charged with continuing Quirk's vision of publishing seriously entertaining books and fulfilling its mission of "making a big impact with a small list of unconventional, engaging, purpose-driven books."
Kupihea joined Quirk as editorial director in 2018 with a focus on building Quirk's fiction and children's lists. She edited such titles as Grady Hendrix's novel The Southern Book Club's Guide to Slaying Vampires and Clay McLeod Chapman's Ghost Eaters, establishing Quirk as a home for horror. She also oversaw the acquisition of kids books such as Dog's First Baby and gift titles, including Goblin Mode and When in Doubt, Play Dead. As president and publisher, she will continue to oversee Quirk's creative group while assuming responsibility for the company's operations group and business strategy. She will edit previously acquired titles but will take a step back from acquisitions.
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| Nicole De Jackmo | |
During her 13 years at Quirk, De Jackmo has helped develop Quirk's brand identity and launch bestsellers, including the Miss Peregrine's Peculiar Children series, The Southern Book Club's Guide to Slaying Vampires, and Find Momo. In her new role, she will continue to oversee marketing and publicity, be responsible for Quirk's sales and rights growth, and work with the president and publisher to fulfill the company's vision, mission, and values.
As chairman and founder, Borgenicht will focus on what he says has allowed Quirk to be a successful independent publisher for more than 20 years: "developing new business and finding terrific partners." He will also focus on the management and expansion of the Worst-Case Scenario brand.
Borgenicht said, "Jhanteigh and Nicole have proven themselves to be terrific leaders and managers, not just of their own groups, but of the company as a whole. Their willingness and ability to work hard, to grow and learn, to be open and honest, to set clear priorities, and to encourage others--including me--to do the same have made me excited to step into a new role and to empower them to run the day-to-day."