Kathy Lowinger, publisher of McClelland & Stewart kids’ imprint Tundra Books, will be retiring at the end of this year, according to a press release issued by M&S this morning. Lowinger has been a major force in kids’ publishing since 1996, when she joined Tundra in the role of executive editor.

Based on the release, it looks as if no one will be replacing Lowinger, exactly. Instead of naming a new publisher, M&S president Doug Pepper has promoted Tundra director of marketing and sales Alison Morgan to the position of managing director, and promoted Tundra senior editor Kathryn Cole to the position of editorial director.

Look for further details on Q&Q Omni later this week.