Abrams and Harper Media have both made personnel changes to their digital divisions, marking increased efforts to move into the e-book and digital space.
Abrams has hired Lindy Humphreys, formerly of Wiley and Chronicle Books, to take on the newly created position of director of digital assets and publishing technology. Abrams president and CEO Michael Jacobs said the new position is a “logical outgrowth” of the company’s digital strategy development and ongoing publishing workflow efforts. Humphreys, who starts October 1, will oversee Abrams’s digital initiatives and help identify emerging electronic business opportunities.
Reporting to Humphreys will be Chris Blank, who was formerly Abrams’ web marketing manager. Blank’s new title is senior manager, digital assets and web development. Blank was closely involved in the re-launch of abramsbooks.com. His new role will have him developing e-books, applications, and digital enhancements to existing content.
Also this week, Harper Media announced three promotions. Christy Mirabal has been promoted to associate director of Harper Audio; she joined the company three years ago and has overseen e-book amendment efforts. She will now manage Harper’s audio program. Esther Kim, also a three year Harper Media veteran, has been promoted to senior rights associate and is now handling all e-book and digital audio amendments and permissions. Beth Ives has been promoted to marketing manager, HarperAudio.
Harper Media announced two new hires: Galit Vaturi, a product manager, who will work with Marisa Benedetto on the launch and scale Harper’s new enhanced e-book product line; and Isabel Tewes, who is managing editor, Harper Media. Tewes was most recently a managing editor for Free Press and Scribner.
