Hyatt Named Nelson CEO

Michael Hyatt has been appointed CEO of Thomas Nelson, succeeding Sam Moore, who will remain chairman. Hyatt served two stints with Nelson, rejoining the company in 1998, and was named president and COO in February 2004. Moore has been with Nelson for nearly 40 years and was the driving force in building the company into one of the largest religious book publishers in the country.

Finch Joins Miramax/Weinstein

Katie Finch, formerly with Simon & Schuster, has joined Miramax Books as associate director of publicity. In addition to working on the house's current titles, she will work on new titles for the Weinstein Company's book division.

Britton to Barbara Tolley

Jason Britton, formerly associate children's book editor at PW, has been hired as a scout for Barbara Tolley & Associates, replacing Allison Heiny, now at Alloy. Britton will focus primarily on children's books.

Boutote Rises at HarperSF

Claudia Riemer Boutote, who was senior director of publicity at Harper San Francisco, has been promoted to associate publisher. She joined the company 18 months ago from Workman.

Watson to Hachette Livre U.K.

As of September 7, Anthony Forbes-Watson, former chief executive of the U.K.'s Penguin Group, will serve as consultant for Hachette Livre U.K. He will advise on growth strategy, with particular emphasis on trade and illustrated books.

Sterling Hire

Ken Riel, formerly director of premium and corporate sales at Simon & Schuster, has joined Sterling Publishing as director, specialty retail sales, and will report to Ron Davis, v-p, special sales.