Jean Srnecz Dies In Crash

Noted via Publisher's Lunch the very sad news that Jean Srnecz SVP Merchandising at B&T was aboard the Continental flight that crashed in Buffalo. I didn't know Jean well but served on the BISG board with her and also sat with her on numerous panels. She was very well respected by me and many in the industry and all will mourn her loss.

Here is a statement for Baker & Taylor:

Baker & Taylor Mourns the Loss of SVP of Merchandising Jean Srnecz
Baker & Taylor, Inc.( 02/13/2009 )

CHARLOTTE, NC, February 13, 2009 - Baker & Taylor, Inc., the world's largest wholesale distributor of books and entertainment products, today mourns the loss of SVP of Merchandising Jean Srnecz. Srnecz was among the passengers of Continental Flight 3407, which crashed late Thursday night outside the Buffalo airport.

"We are all tremendously shocked and saddened at this terrible loss," said CEO Tom Morgan. "Jean was extremely highly regarded throughout the industry. She had tremendous industry expertise and was integral to Baker & Taylor's strategic growth, but was also valued as a kind and good person by all who knew her. She will be greatly missed by scores of people throughout our industry, and especially throughout our company. Our thoughts and prayers remain with her family."

Srnecz held many positions during her 33-year career at Baker & Taylor, ascending to SVP of Merchandising in 2001. She served on the boards of the Book Industry Study Group and Educational Paperback Association.

"I worked alongside Jean for 30 years and there was no one more knowledgeable and respected, as a professional and a person," said Baker & Taylor President Arnie Wight. "Jean truly loved this business and was loved by many in it. She will be sorely missed."

In her most recent position, Srnecz was responsible for all buying and inventory management activities, including Children's, General Interest, Adult, Academic, Professional, Higher Education, Mass Market and Audio. She was also responsible for Publisher Services, Publisher Sales Reporting, Inventory Analysis, Publisher Relations, and Advertising in B&T publications.