Gompertz Named to New Digital Role at Simon & Schuster  

-- Publishers Weekly, 4/22/2009 7:44:00 AM

Explaining that e-book sales are growing faster than anticipated and that the company is being presented with more chances to make its content available either for sale or marketing, Simon & Schuster CEO Carolyn Reidy has named Mark Gompertz to the newly created position of executive v-p, digital publishing. Reidy said Gompertz will bring an editorial perspective to digital publishing in his new role, helping to develop new business models and dealing with problems as the company broadens its digital operations. Gompertz will also originate and acquire digital content, “developing policies, working out processes, and educating and informing us so we can all learn as we seek new revenue streams,” Reidy explained.

Gompertz will report to Reidy and work with Ellie Hirschhorn, head of S&S Digital. Hirschhorn and her team will still be charged with keeping abreast of new technology developments and trends as well as building the digital distribution infrastructure.

A replacement for Gompertz at Touchstone Fireside, the imprint he has led for years, will be announced soon.