Industry Eye

Astral Brands: Phil Minix has been hired as president of Astral Direct, the home décor, accessories and gift subsidiary of this multi-title cataloger. Formerly the SVP of catalog and tours marketing for Reiman Publications, Minix oversees The Music Stand, Linda Anderson and Characters catalogs.

Benchmark Brands: John Caplinger has been appointed director of customer care for this multichannel lower body health products merchant, in charge of the company’s in-house customer contact center.