Indigo brings back a familiar face as its CEO

Indigo Books & Music founder Heather Reisman is back as the company’s CEO after the abrupt exit of Peter Ruis last week.

She has also been appointed to the board.

The country’s largest book, toy and lifestyle retailer also announced a number of leadership appointments as part of a drive to strengthen its brand focus and restore Indigo to growth and profitability.

Craig Loudon, Indigo’s CFO, has been appointed COO. In his new role he will continue to act as the CFO and lead the finance team and function.

Indigo’s board also announced the appointment of Markus Dohle – a longtime publishing vet and, recently, CEO of Penguin Random House – as chair of the board of directors. Eileen Naughton, most recently chief people officer at Google, has also been appointed to the board.

Dohle says Reisman’s “deep understanding of the Indigo brand as the country’s leading voice on books and reading, and her commitment to the business, combined with a very special and dedicated organization, will put the company on the right trajectory.”

High Liner names interim CEO

High Liner Foods announced that its board has appointed Paul Jewer to serve as the company’s interim CEO to lead the seafood brand while it completes a comprehensive search for a president and CEO. Jewer has served as the company’s CFO since February 2014, and will continue to oversee this function.

This appointment follows the previously announced resignation of Rod Hepponstall as president and CEO, which was to be effective on or before January 2, 2024. As a result of the appointment of Jewer, Hepponstall has left the company.

The company, which says it remains focused on “targeted promotions to drive sales and demonstrate value of seafood as a healthy, affordable protein,” reported a recent Q2 earnings bump of 0.3% to USD $254.3 million compared to $253.5 million. Sales volume increased 1%, and the company boasted its 9th consecutive quarter of foodservice growth, despite a broader category slowdown.