Meet Mitch

Describe your educational background. Where did you study, what degrees did you receive?
BS, Accountancy/Finance - University of Illinois; MBA, Finance/Marketing - University of Chicago

Describe your career history. What have been your professional experiences prior to your current position?
Founded Triumph Books - 1989
Senior Consultant - Arthur Andersen & Co.
Brand Management, The Quaker Oats Company Assoc/intern., Golder Thoma & Cressey - Private Venture Capital Production Assistant - CBS Sports.
General Manager/start-up Bonus Books.

What are your current roles and responsibilities? 
I work with acquisitions to identify titles to publish, and I approve all deal terms. I also work with various colleagues to price, package, and position each of approximately 100 titles published per year. I approve cover design, print costs and all other expenditures. I’m in charge of interfacing with, and supervising, each department---sales, marketing, publicity, acquisitions, editorial, production, operations/admin---and I negotiate deals with 3rd party content providers and joint venture partners.

What is your favorite thing about your job? 
I feel incredibly lucky to be part of Random House -- to be able to interface and learn from, smart, focused Random House professionals. I’m thankful that I am able to work with the intelligent, passionate, loyal group of colleagues at Triumph Books. I’m proud of our staff, what we have collectively accomplished, and the against-odds things we are still accomplishing each day. I’m proud of the reputation we have built, and of the warm, genuine relationships we have developed over the years with authors, printers, designers, and corporate buyers based on mutual trust, performance, and humor.

If I were a cartoon character, I would be… 
Speed Racer or Scooby Doo.

What qualities do you feel are necessary to be a successful employee at your company? 
Besides baseline skill and intelligence level, a desire to succeed and contribute, while putting the team first.

Do you feel you have a good understanding of Bertelsmann and its corporate culture?
My wife, Liz, and I live with our four children in a warm community with good friends and family.
In the good old days, I was a cross-country motorcyclist; pursued independent third world adventure and travel; volunteered for hospices, hospitals, nonprofits; was named to the All-Chicago Basketball Team; and participated in some college football and competitive ballroom dancing.