Barnes & Noble has named Emily Meehan publisher and chief creative officer of its book publishing division, Sterling Publishing. Meehan succeeds Thersea Thompson.

Meehan joins Sterling with a background in children’s and branded publishing, most recently as v-p, publisher of the Disney Book Group. She will oversee of all Sterling’s publishing operations in what B&N says is a relaunch of the publisher.

“We are delighted that Emily is to lead Sterling Publishing and excited at the potential of the business,” B&N CEO James Daunt said in a statement. Meehan will be based in Sterling’s New York office, and will report to Daunt.

At Disney, Meehan led creative and global commercial strategy for the trade publishing imprints Hyperion and National Geographic, as well as branded trade title strategy for brands such as ESPN, Marvel, and Lucas, B&N said. Prior to that role she was responsible for the Disney Hyperion list of authors, including Mo Willems, as well as the launch of the Rick Riordan Presents imprint. Meehan has also held senior editing roles at Disney and Simon & Schuster.

“I’m thrilled to embark on what I know will be a rewarding and exciting new chapter not only for me, but for Sterling and Barnes & Noble,” Meehan said in a statement. “There is a lot of opportunity to publishing in bigger, forward-thinking ways with a keen eye for the best quality in editorial, design, and production.”