John Vitale is leaving HarperCollins this month. He worked with authors that included Kurt Vonnegut, Maurice Sendak and Shel Silverstein.

Here’s more from the company memo: “John joined the company in April 1977 when Harper & Row acquired Thomas Y. Crowell & Co. In 1978, he was named Production Director for the Children’s Division. In 1998 he was promoted to Vice President of Book Production, where he added the Adult Trade Group to his existing responsibilities of Children’s and Audio.”

The publisher will promote Tracey Menzies to VP of production and creative operations to replace Vitale.

In addition, HarperCollins announced a number of promotions. Kristine Macrides has been promoted to director of sales and retail marketing.

National account representative Rachel Levenberg has expanded her territory. Here’s more: “Rachel will continue to be the account manager for both Target and Baker and Taylor, but in her new role she will also call directly on BJ’s and work with Dale to manage our sales relationship with both Costco and Sam’s.”

Lillie Walsh was elevated to assistant manager of sales & retail marketing and Eric Lovaas has been promoted to manager of sales operations.