Hampton to Replace Merkh at Nelson

by Jim Milliot, Religion BookLine -- Publishers Weekly, 11/15/2006

Jonathan Merkh, who helped diversify Thomas Nelson’s publishing program as senior v- p and publisher of Nelson Books and Nelson Business, will leave those posts at the end of the month. Merkh, who has been with Nelson for more than 12 years, said the formation of the new Strategic Publishing Unit model announced by the company last month (PW, Oct. 23), was a factor in his resignation. “Nelson is moving in a new direction, making this the right time to leave,” he said. Merkh said he has the “highest respect” for Nelson CEO Mike Hyatt, noting his departure will give Nelson a chance to proceed with the SPU plan with new people.

Nelson, in fact, moved quickly to replace Merkh, appointing associate publisher Brian Hampton to oversee Nelson Books and Nelson Business. On April 1, 2007, when the new SPU model will officially kick in, Hampton will move as planned to his role as senior v-p and publisher for corporate brands, at which point Nelson will look for a replacement. Merkh had been set to oversee the Business, Culture & People unit in the new model.

Merkh said his future plans are unclear at present.