Industry veteran Larry Carpenter has been appointed the new president of Standard Publishing, one of the Christian product industry's oldest suppliers.

Most recently vice president of marketing for non-fiction trade books at Thomas Nelson Publishers, Carpenter takes over at the 142-year-old Cincinnati publisher best known for its Christian education and curriculum materials, Aug. 4.

Carpenter's appointment was announced by William Reed, CEO of CFM Religion Group, founded by private equity firm The Wicks Group when it bought Standard from Standex International Corp. two years ago. Carpenter replaces former President Matthew Thibeau.

Reed told Christian Retailing that Carpenter had been selected for his experience, to help raise the profile of Standard and its long-established and respected materials. A heightened presence at the International Christian Retail Show this month-which included strong promotion of the company's 2009 Vacation Bible School curriculum-was part of that move, he said.

Carpenter said he was excited by the opportunity to take leadership of a company with such a rich history and strong ministry focus. He welcomed the opportunity to join a company with a high degree of stability and help "take it to the next level," he said.

Carpenter has more than 20 years' experience in the Christian products industry. Prior to joining Thomas Nelson he was senior vice president of STL Distribution North America, and was formerly president of distributor Spring Arbor.

Read the full report in the Aug. 25 issue of Christian Retailing.

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