Chantal Restivo-Alessi, currently chief digital officer for HarperCollins, has been named to the additional post of executive v-p, international, a role which will include oversight of the HarperCollins foreign language program. Since its acquisition of Harlequin last summer, HC has created three new foreign-language units--HarperCollins Germany, HarperCollins Iberica and HarperCollins Españo--and new regions are expected to be announced soon.
In making the announcement, HC CEO Brian Murray observed: “This is a new effort for HarperCollins, and one that requires extensive coordination and the development of new processes and procedures... in this new role, Chantal will oversee the HarperCollins foreign language program to ensure we’re hitting all the targets necessary for growth and develop new processes and procedures so we can achieve the ambitious plans laid out for our foreign language publishing program while setting up structures that support our authors in new ways.”
In her new role, Murray said Restivo-Alesse will work closely with the division heads, English-language publishers, and the Harlequin international teams, who will collaboratively set the lists for each market. The rights groups and export sales will have a dotted line into her for markets where we publish directly.
In addition, Restivo-Alessi will work with Steve Miles, Harlequin Chief Operating Officer International, who, with his team, will continue to manage Harlequin Australia and all translation markets.
Rob Zaffiris, who has been in the development of foreign language publishing program as senior v-p, finance and strategic new business development, will continue to be involved in identifying, negotiating, closing and setting up both domestic and international acquisition targets.
“This is an exciting time for the company as we transition from an English language publisher to a truly global one,” Murray said in a memo to employees. “This new structure will ensure that we make the best decisions for our authors and our business as we dramatically expand our global footprint in an organized manner.”
