Will Lead Expansion of the Direct-To-Consumer Business
(Nashville, TN)— Today it was announced that Kate Johnson will be appointed to senior vice president of Direct for HarperCollins Christian Publishing and HarperCollins Focus. Johnson will be responsible for leading the vision and expansion of a comprehensive and cohesive strategy for the direct-to-consumer businesses which operate multiple eCommerce stores, online communities, native apps, and subscription-based platforms. Her first day will be December 21.
Johnson has extensive experience in successfully leading direct businesses across multiple industries. She has had success in audience development and customer retention, social media and influencer marketing, media programming and retailer distribution support, as well as leading cross-functional teams including sales, marketing, brand development, operations, and supply chain.
“Direct connection with our readers is more important now than ever before,” said President and CEO Mark Schoenwald. “This year we have learned that supporting our retail channels and distributors goes hand in hand with knowing our customers more intimately. We have seen a dramatic shift in consumer purchasing habits, and we are competing for their attention in a saturated online world. A broad-based, comprehensive distribution strategy is required to be an effective partner for all our stakeholders. Kate has a proven track-record of helping companies penetrate through the noise and build sustainable relationships with audiences.”
In a memo to the companies’ employees, Schoenwald explained the organizations needed to expand how they thought about the direct-to-consumer experience in order to accelerate their growth in the market. Johnson, who will be based in the Nashville office, will work closely with parent company HarperCollins Publishers in New York, to solidify a strategic road map that aligns with the corporation’s global strategy.
In addition to her leadership and work-related experience, Johnson holds a Master of Business Administration from the Kellogg School of Management, a Juris Doctor from Northwestern University School of Law and a Bachelor of Arts from Dartmouth College majoring in Economics and Philosophy.
HarperCollins Christian Publishing is home to the world’s leading Christian and inspirational content publishing groups, Thomas Nelson and Zondervan. The company operates the world’s largest Christian website, BibleGateway.com in addition to FaithGateway.com, ChurchSource.com, StudyGateway.com, Zondervan Academic Online Courses, and Zondervan Master Lectures. Last month the company announced a new partnership with Urban Ministries Incorporated, one of the nation’s oldest and well-known Christian resource providers to the African American church.
HarperCollins Focus is an expanding general market publishing company, home to Leadership Essentials by HarperCollins Leadership, an online community that offers free resources and for-purchase e-courses dedicated to developing the world’s next best leaders.
About HarperCollins Christian Publishing: The world’s leading Christian publisher, HarperCollins Christian Publishing Inc., comprises the Thomas Nelson and Zondervan publishing groups, the world’s largest Christian website BibleGateway.com, FaithGateway.com and ChurchSource.com. The Company produces bestselling Bibles, inspirational books, academic resources, curriculum, audio and digital content for the Christian market space. HarperCollins Christian Publishing is headquartered in Nashville, TN with additional offices in Grand Rapids, Mich. and Mexico City, Mexico. For more information visit www.HarperCollinsChristian.com.
About HarperCollins Focus: HarperCollins Focus, LLC owns and operates a collection of publishing imprints and online resources 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.
Contact: Casey Harrell, Senior Director, Corporate Communications
615.902.1109 casey.harrell@harpercollins.com
