Follett operations chief to retire
PRNewswire
OAK BROOK — Fred Weber, senior vice president of wholesale operations and distribution services at Follett Higher Education Group, announced his retirement after 30 years of service with the company.
Follett Higher Education Group is a leading provider of college bookstore services and used books in North America.
“Fred is recognized and respected throughout the higher education industry, having been a frequent speaker at industry events and a contributor to several trade journals,” said Tom Christopher, president of Follett Higher Education Group. “His many contributions demonstrate his commitment to the industry and to providing innovative solutions to meet our customers’ changing needs.”
Weber will remain at the company until April 1. Follett Higher Education Group expects to make an announcement about Weber’s successor soon.
Weber joined Follett Higher Education Group in 1982, and in 2005, assumed the role of senior vice president of wholesale operations and distribution services. Prior to joining the operations team, Weber directed Follett’s strategic planning and communications functions.
Most recently, Weber helped develop the new Aurora Distribution Center. The 551,200-square-foot facility increased Follett’s processing output and order accuracy, and has fueled Follett’s continued growth by making more books available for wholesale and direct customer orders.
Weber was also instrumental in the development of an online textbook rental program for Follett Higher Education Group’s independent college bookstore partners. The program advanced the company’s commitment to promoting affordability and access in higher education, and offered a new solution to drive traffic to the independent bookstore.
Weber has been longtime advocate for education. Before joining Follett, he was an assistant professor of philosophy at the University of Hawaii at Hilo, and is a past board member of the National Association of College Stores Foundation, which supports research and education, professional development and program grants related to the college store industry.