New leadership at Borders Paperchase unit

ANN ARBOR, Mich. Borders Group reported that Dick Lynch, president of its U.S. Paperchase division, is leaving the company. Jim Frering joins Borders Group as VP Paperchase U.S. Operations. Frering will report to Simon Howes, head of retail at Paperchase U.K., headquartered in London.

Prior to joining Borders Group, Frering was with Linens 'N Things for 10 years, where he progressed through a series of leadership positions, most recently serving as corporate VP financial and merchandise planning and control. Prior to Linens 'N Things, Frering worked for East Coast electronics retailer Lechmere.

The Paperchase U.S. leadership reorganization also includes the reassignment of Teresa Wright, VP Paperchase U.S. merchandising to the buying team headed by Mike Oprins, Borders Group VP merchandising-non-book. Wright will be supported by the U.S. merchandising organization while continuing to work closely with the Paperchase U.K. product development and buying team.

"Paperchase is a great brand and a successful business in the U.K. that has further growth potential in the U.S. through the continued expansion of the shops within our Borders superstores as well as through further improvement in the efficiency and effectiveness of how we operate the business here," said Borders Group CEO Ron Marshall. "By creating a closer connection between the U.K. leadership and our U.S. team, we'll be in the best position to take advantage of these opportunities."