SVP and Group Publisher David Moberg announces intent to retire; Brian Hampton promoted to lead role
September 13, 2018 (Nashville, TN)- HarperCollins Christian Publishing today announced a transition in publishing leadership with the announcement of senior vice president and group publisher David Moberg’s intention to retire at the end of the company’s fiscal year, in June 2019. Brian Hampton, current senior vice president and publisher of Nelson Books, an imprint of Thomas Nelson, will be promoted to fill this role. Hampton will begin overseeing all book publishing operations for both Thomas Nelson and Zondervan and the associated imprints* effective immediately. He will sit on the company’s Executive Leadership Team and report directly to Mark Schoenwald, president and CEO. Moberg will continue to hold a leadership role within HarperCollins Christian Publishing until his date of retirement, ensuring a seamless transition of responsibilities.
In this role, Hampton will set the strategy and direction for all trade, children’s, specialty, and curriculum publishing. Hampton will be responsible for ensuring all divisions are meeting goals, developing new business initiatives, and managing relationships with key authors, retailers, distributors, and staff.
Hampton has served the company for 27 years in various editorial and leadership roles, helping to develop and publish several bestselling books including: Wild at Heart by John Eldredge, The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership by John C. Maxwell, The Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey, and The Best Yes and Uninvited by Lysa TerKeurst. Most recently he is noted for signing breakout authors such as Bob Goff (Love Does and Everybody Always), Jen Hatmaker (For the Love and Of Mess and Moxie), and Rachel Hollis (Girl, Wash Your Face). In addition to his role as publisher of Nelson Books, in 2017 Hampton led the launch of HarperCollins Leadership, a general market leadership imprint, in addition to the acquisition of the AMACOM trade book assets from the American Management Association.
“Brian’s track record of finding and developing great authors and content as well as leading and developing teams has prepared him for future success as the head of book publishing for HCCP,” said Mark Schoenwald. “Brian’s decisions are strategic and analytical, and his product background gives him a keen sense about authors and manuscripts that will resonate in the market. Brian has built invaluable relationships with authors and agents and is highly respected in the industry. We are thrilled that he has accepted this next step in his career with us.”
Moberg will continue to work on special projects, mentor key staff, and provide guidance and counsel to the Executive Leadership Team during transition. In addition, he will continue to serve on the Board of Directors for the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association as vice-chair. “This is an exciting time for both Brian and the company, and I appreciate the support shown to me throughout my career in publishing. I am confident that Brian’s transition to group publisher will be smooth as he is more than prepared to take on this role.”
* Zondervan’s Church, Academic, Reference and Reflective publishing focus will remain with Stan Gundry, senior vice president and publisher and Zondervan editor-in-chief. Bible publishing will remain with John Kramp, senior vice president and group publisher.
About HarperCollins Christian Publishing: The world’s leading Christian publisher, HarperCollins Christian Publishing Inc., comprises the Thomas Nelson and Zondervan publishing groups, Olive Tree Bible Software, BibleGateway.com, FaithGateway.com and ChurchSource.com. The Company produces bestselling Bibles, inspirational books, academic resources, curriculum, audio and digital content for the Christian market space. HarperCollins Christian Publishing is headquartered in Nashville, TN with additional offices in the U.S. and Mexico. For more information visit www.HarperCollinsChristian.com.
