Harlequin Creates Two Business Groups

Once best known as a publisher of paperback romances, Harlequin has broadened its portfolio to include a range of genres and formats. To accommodate that change, Craig Swinwood, CEO of Harlequin and HarperCollins Canada, has announced a reorganization of the company that creates two business groups. The Harlequin Trade Publishing Group will be responsible for all trade publishing, while the Harlequin Brand Group combines Harlequin series publishing, Carina Press, and brand development under one umbrella.

Heading the newly formed trade group is Loriana Sacilotto as executive v-p and publisher. Sacilotto will lead the publishing, editorial, marketing, and publicity efforts for all trade imprints: Hanover Square Press, Park Row Books, Graydon House, HQN Books, Mira, and Inkyard Press.

Reporting to Sacilotto will be Margaret Marbury, v-p, editorial, who will focus on the adult imprints; Heather Connor, v-p, publicity and trade communications; Bess Braswell, publishing director, Inkyard Press; and a still-to-be-named associate publisher for the adult imprints.

Brent Lewis has been named executive v-p and publisher of the Harlequin Brand Group. Lewis will be in charge of all series publishing, series editorial, Harlequin brand marketing and publicity, Harlequin Studios, new business development, and direct to consumer programs.

Reporting to Lewis will be Dianne Moggy, v-p, editorial, who is responsible for all global series publishing and Carina Press, and will oversee author engagement and communications; and Merjane Schoueri, v-p, marketing, who will continue to lead the Feel Good Project and other new business development.

As part of the reorganization, Angela James, longtime editorial director of Carina Press, and Joanne Grant, editorial director for the series, will leave Harlequin July 19.

In his announcement, Swinwood said: “To foster strategic alignment across our Harlequin series and brand organizations, it is imperative that all of these areas are brought together to support our strategic business objectives and goals.”