IPG Announces Reorganization of Global Sales

March 5, 2025

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 5, 2025
Contact: Julia Dillman | Corporate Communications
312.337.0747 | [email protected]

CHICAGO – Independent Publishers Group (IPG), the last remaining independent book distributor of significant size in North America, is excited to announce a reorganization of its global sales force.

Effective on March 15, 2025, IPG domestic sales to independent bookstores will be managed by three commission sales representative groups: Fujii Associates, Imprint Group, and Como Sales. This is an important change that will bring renewed sales energy to drive opportunity for our publishers.

Fujii will sell to accounts in the Midwest and TOLA (Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, and Arkansas); Imprint Group will sell to accounts in the Western US; and Como Sales will sell to accounts in the Eastern US.

“IPG moved to a limited number of inside sales reps at the beginning of the pandemic, a move that accommodated the attendant change in retail business,” said Tim McCall, SVP Sales and Marketing. “But it’s time to think expansively again, and these three groups collectively bring a diversity of interests, robust industry relationships, and the sort of literary zeal that is the hallmark of every good sales force. These rep groups don’t just sell; they’re an essential brain trust. I look forward to their counsel and creativity, and I entrust them wholeheartedly with the care of our indispensable, independent retail partners.”

Travis Hale has been promoted to Field Sales Manager and will oversee the three rep groups.

Brad Fish has been promoted to Manager, Educational and Library Sales and will oversee sales into the educational wholesale channel.

In the United Kingdom, IPG has partnered with Gardners for distribution and will be represented by Compass for academic and professional sales. Compass has outstanding access to academic buyers and an experienced team with a deep knowledge of the academic and professional markets. These arrangements with Gardners and Compass bolster IPG’s existing partnership with Gazelle in the UK,which covers sales and distribution for trade titles. Scott Hatfill, VP of International Sales at IPG, will oversee all sales and distribution partners in the UK.

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About Independent Publishers Group:

Founded in 1971, IPG was the first organization specifically created for the purpose of marketing titles from independent presses to the book trade. Today, IPG’s wide reach into the book market includes distribution of both print and e-books from a wide array of publishers, digital printing, and traditional publishing. With consistent growth year over year, IPG’s success has come from supporting and encouraging the growth of its publishing partners in the United States and worldwide. IPG was acquired by Chicago Review Press in 1987, and this acquisition formed the parent company Chicago Review Press, Inc., which now owns Chicago-based indie publishers Chicago Review Press and Triumph Books.