Consortium President Julie Schaper Announces Retirement, Impacting Leadership Transition

What's Happening?

Julie Schaper, the president of Consortium Book Sales & Distribution, has announced her retirement effective June 2026. Schaper has been with Consortium for over 30 years, starting as a sales director in 1994. Under her leadership, Consortium expanded from representing 27 publishers to nearly 170, becoming known for its literary presses and poetry publishers. Schaper was promoted to president in 2001, shortly after the company was acquired by Don Linn. Consortium later became part of Perseus Book Group and was acquired by Ingram Content Group in 2016. Schaper plans to assist in the transition by working with her successor until June. She intends to travel post-retirement with her spouse, Steve Horwitz.

Why It's Important?

Schaper's retirement marks a significant transition for Consortium, a key player in the distribution of literary and poetry publishers. Her leadership has been instrumental in maintaining the company's indie spirit while navigating industry changes. The search for a successor is crucial as it will determine the future direction of Consortium's operations and its ability to continue supporting independent publishers. The new leader will need to uphold Schaper's legacy and guide the company through the evolving publishing landscape, impacting the broader literary community and independent publishing sector.

What's Next?

Ingram Content Group is actively seeking a replacement for Schaper, aiming to have someone in place by January 2026. This transition period will involve collaboration between Schaper and her successor to ensure a smooth handover. The new president will be tasked with leading a 17-person team and maintaining Consortium's mission. Stakeholders, including publishers and industry partners, will be watching closely to see how the new leadership will influence Consortium's strategic direction and its role in the publishing industry.

Beyond the Headlines

Schaper's departure could lead to shifts in Consortium's strategic priorities, potentially affecting its relationships with publishers and its approach to market challenges. The transition may also reflect broader trends in the publishing industry, such as consolidation and the increasing importance of digital distribution. The new leadership will need to balance maintaining Consortium's indie roots with adapting to technological advancements and market demands.