Jennifer Gott named associate publisher and Kristi Smith appointed senior director, marketing for Gift books
Nashville, Tenn. (November 18, 2019) – HarperCollins Christian Publishing (HCCP) last week appointed Jennifer Gott as the new associate publisher and Kristi Smith as senior marketing director for the Gift book publishing imprints, Thomas Nelson Gift and Zondervan Gift.
Last week HarperCollins Christian Publishing and HarperCollins Focus announced together a new operational structure for a cohesive Children’s and Gift group, with Laura Minchew leading the strategy as the senior vice president and group publisher. Under the new structure, Gott will report directly to Minchew and Smith will report to Michael Aulisio, the v-p of marketing for the group. Both Gott and Smith will focus their efforts on HCCP’s Gift books, which are beautiful, high designed products such as devotionals, journals, lifestyle and traditional gift books.
Gott is a twenty-year publishing veteran and has been with HCCP since 2011, most recently servicing as the editorial director for Tommy Nelson and Thomas Nelson and Zondervan Gift books. In this role she directed the editorial strategy for authors including Sarah Young, Emily Ley, Sadie Robertson, and Louie Giglio, as well as bestselling Jesus Calling brands which together have sold more than 30 million copies.
In her new role of associate publisher, Gott will oversee editorial and acquisitions for the Gift team, work with key authors, develop strategy, and maintain the budget for Zondervan Gift and Thomas Nelson Gift.
“Jennifer has done fabulous work in mentoring and managing the editorial team, setting processes for workflow, and helping to deliver excellent books,” said Laura Minchew, senior v-p, Children’s and Gift Group publisher. “She has wonderful rapport with key authors and brands, and I can’t wait to see her step into her new role as associate publisher.”
Smith, also a twenty-year publishing veteran, joins the Gift team from her previous role as marketing director for W Publishing, a non-fiction imprint of Thomas Nelson. Throughout her tenure, Smith has led marketing campaigns and brand development projects for high-profile authors including Billy Graham, Kathie Lee Gifford, Dr. David Jeremiah, and more.
As senior director of marketing for Gift books, Smith will cultivate author and agent relationships, spearhead strategic marketing plans, and work creatively to discover new markets for products.
“Our team could not be more excited to have Kristi join us. Kristi’s passion for the mission of inspiring lives has long driven her tremendous career with W Publishing and shows through in her marketing excellence and deep relationships,” said Michael Aulisio, v-p marketing, children’s and gift books. We absolutely can’t wait for her enthusiastic leadership and creativity to be applied to our gift books and authors.”
HarperCollins Christian Publishing is the world’s leading Christian publisher and comprises both Thomas Nelson and Zondervan publishing groups, in addition to Olive Tree Bible Software. The Company produces bestselling Bibles, inspirational books, academic resources, curriculum, audio and digital content for the Christian market space. Also home to BibleGateway.com, the world’s largest Christian website, and FaithGateway.com, an online community dedicated to helping people grow in their faith. HarperCollins Christian Publishing is headquartered in Nashville, TN with additional offices in the U.S. and Mexico. For more information visit www.HarperCollinsChristian.com
HarperCollins Focus, LLC. owns and operates a collection of publishing imprints, that enlighten and empower readers to transform their hearts and minds, connecting through story, advice, mentorship and community. The company is based in Nashville, TN. For more information, visit www.HarperCollinsFocus.com.
Contact: Casey Harrell, Senior Director, Corporate Communications, 615.902.1109
Casey.Harrell@HarperCollins.
