David Boyle will join HarperCollins on February 4 in the newly created role of svp, Consumer Insight, reporting to chief digital officer Chantal Restivo-Alessi. In his new role Boyle, formerly svp, Insight for EMI Music, will work with all divisions of HarperCollins globally to incorporate consumer insight and better understanding of consumer behavior into the company’s main practices – from acquisition to sales.
“David’s extensive experience in consumer insights makes him a valuable asset to HarperCollins,” said Restivo-Alessi in a statement. “As digital becomes a greater part of our business, we have to better understand our consumers. Having David join us in this consumer insight role will enable us to better extend the reach of our authors from both a marketing and sales perspective.” Boyle added: “In this complex and rapidly changing publishing landscape, the voice of the consumer alongside the immense skills and experience of the HarperCollins team is going to be a very powerful combination. I’m excited to be on board.”
Independent Book Publishers Association’s president Florrie Binford Kichler will retire June 30 after five years as the organization’s leader. Twenty-year veteran of IBPA Terry Nathan will take the new title of chief operations officer and Kichler’s replacement will be given the title of executive director. They have begun a search to fill that slot upon Kichler’s retirement.
Peter Brantley is joining Hypothes.is as director of scholarly communications in February. He will help “identify the key challenges to the successful deployment of open annotation within the scholarly community, and then outline and help us execute against the steps necessary to address them.” Brantley has been director of the Book Server project at the Internet Archive.
Jean-Marc Dupuis has been named Kobo’s new managing director for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, charged with overseeing the company’s continued international expansion. Previously Dupuis was Apple’s sales director for South Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. He will continue to be based in Paris.
At the Random House Publishing Group, Jayme Boucher has been promoted to Agent, Random House Speaker’s Bureau. In the division’s digital and new media department, Kate Childs moves up to publicity manager while Liza Eliano has been promoted to associate publicist.
At Tor/Forge, Alexis Saarela has been promoted to assistant director of publicity.
At Other Press, Lauren Shekari has been promoted to director of subsidiary rights.
At P.S. Literary Agency, Carly Watters has been promoted to agent.