UK book publisher and noted kids biz licensee Parragon has announced that it is reorganizing its business into two new divisions. The reorg is based on the company’s strategy to adapt to major transitions in the book industry, as well as its recent explorations into new areas like stationery and gifting as viable categories to support its core book business.

As such, the publisher is creating Parragon Publishing and Parragon International, effective September 1.

The publishing division will be made up of Parragon’s core direct-to-retailer English language operations in UK, North America and Australasia, and core book publishing teams in Children’s, License and Reference, and Lifestyle. It’s charged with growing Parragon’s traditional and non-traditional book markets. Paul Gregory, current global publishing director, has been promoted to president and COO of the division.

Parragon International will be tasked with expanding into new business areas. These include Parragon’s non-English language business, as well as the expansion of Gifting across proprietary and licensed brands outside the traditional book category. Wendy Friedman, the current president of Parragon North America/Latin America, will step into the role of president and COO for the new division. Brooke Lindner, previously sales and product development director of Kids Books/ Soft Play, will be joining Parragon International as director of product development.

For over 25 years, Parragon has held its own as one of the largest illustrated non-fiction publishers across the globe. Its roster of licensed properties for children include Mattel, Disney, Marvel and Nickelodeon. The publishers offers multi-platform content, including printed books, eBooks and apps.