Oxford University Press announced a realignment of its three academic publishing divisions–Oxford University Press USA, the UK’s academic division (essentially their adult publishing operation), and Oxford Journals–under the consolidated leadership of current OUP USA president Tim Barton. He took that post recently, after serving as managing director of the UK Academic Division for four years. Communications director Rachel Goode says that they are recruiting for a new position to take care of day-to-day US management under Barton after he makes the transition.
The move reflects a more global, platform-neutral strategy across key divisions. Barton comments, “Digital and competitive pressures make scale, global strategies, and local execution increasingly vital. I am excited by the opportunities provided by this new structure, and look forward to working with colleagues in the US, UK, and elsewhere.”
Chief executive Nigel Portwood says “my appointment of Tim to lead the work of our three academic publishing businesses is an important step towards positioning us for future success, and I’m confident that Tim has the experience, track record, and leadership for this new role.” The change is effective as of July, when managing director of UK Academic and Oxford Journals Divisions Martin Richardson retires.
After a relatively long four-year-stretch on the publishing beat, Motoko Rich is moving on to write about the economy for the paper’s business section, looking at “how it is affecting workers, consumers, companies and institutions big and small” according to section editor Larry Ingrassia. Publishing coverage was sent over to the arts/media group, so Ingrassia’s note does not indicate whom if anyone will take over publishing coverage.
NYT memo
At Ballantine, Mark Tavani has been promoted to executive editor. He joined the line as an assistant in 2000.
At Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, Carla Gray has been promoted to director of marketing, adult books; Candace Finn has been promoted to subsidiary rights manager in charge of selling all children’s rights; and Emer Flounders has been promoted to publicist.
Barnes & Noble named Tracey Weber as evp, textbooks and digital education, responsible for developing, implementing and managing their digital education products and services. Weber was president, North America at Travelocity.