Ana Maria Allessi has been promoted to president and publisher of Hachette Audio, effective January 2. In this new role, Allessi will continue to lead the company's audio recording, and digital content publishing efforts, including marketing, as well as overseeing audio distribution strategies for all of HBG’s imprints.
Allessi joined HBG in 2021 following the publisher's acquisition of Workman, where Allessi had served as publisher of Workman Audio. She was appointed head of all of Hachette Audio in January 2022 as part of what then CEO Michael Pietsch called an effort to "combine the Hachette Audio and Workman Audio teams into one department." Her appointment at Hachette Audio was coupled with the departure of Anthony Goff, then SVP and audio publisher at Hachette.
Prior to joining Workman in early 2020, Allessi spent nearly 18 years at HarperCollins and served as VP and publisher of HarperAudio. She was also a member of the board of directors for the Audio Publisher’s Association for 11 years, serving as president of the board from 2019 to 2023.
“Under Ana Maria’s dynamic leadership, HBG has delivered another record-breaking year of audio sales,” said HBG deputy CEO Richard Kitson, who announced Allessi's promotion. “She delivers day in, day out and is focused on driving innovation and growth."
Kim Sayle, who has served as VP and associate publisher of Hachette Audio since 2019, has been promoted to SVP and deputy publisher.
