Alison Lazarus, president of Macmillan’s sales division for more than 20 years, will move to Hachette Book Group August 6 as executive v-p, director of sales. The appointment was announced this morning by HBG CEO Michael Pietsch, to whom she will report.
At Macmillan Lazarus oversaw the publisher’s physical and digital sales staff for the company’s trade publishers, as well as its distribution clients. Her responsibilities included oversight of domestic and international sales, development of Macmillan’s account and channel marketing strategies, and leading all key account initiatives and negotiations.
In a statement, Pietsch called Lazarus “one of the most highly respected leaders in our industry.” He added that he is looking forward to working with her “as we continue to grow our sales, improve our sales operations, and find new physical and digital markets for our authors’ books.”
With Lazarus’s appointment, Chris Murphy will become HBG’s senior v-p, retail sales. Since December 2014, Murphy has been HBG’s senior v-p, group sales director. “Chris is returning to a job that he did superbly in the past,” said Pietsch, adding that he is “very grateful for his decision to step into this important sales leadership position.” Murphy will report to Lazarus.
