Hyatt, Kinde Rise at Nelson

Thomas Nelson Publishers has promoted Michael S. Hyatt, publisher of the book group, to president and chief operating officer, effective February 1.

Hyatt is credited with reorganizing Nelson's book division, launching WND Books and WestBox Press and raising the company's profit margins. In becoming president, Hyatt is assuming one of the titles that had been held by Sam Moore, who remains Nelson's CEO and chairman. Moore praised Hyatt's understanding of "publishing and business. Every division under his leadership has prospered and experienced growth."

Hyatt, who will retain his duties as group publisher, has had several stints with Nelson beginning in the 1980s. He rejoined the company in 1998 as v-p, associate publisher, in the book division and was named its publisher in 2000. He was promoted to executive v-p and group publisher in 2002.

In a second promotion, the religion publishing house named Wayne Kinde, previously associate publisher of Nelson reference and electronic, to v-p and publisher of the division. In his new position, Kinde will be responsible for the unit's acquisitions, product development and financial administration. He will report to Phil Stoner, executive v-p and Bible group publisher.