Tag: Mark Schoenwald

Nashville, Tenn. (September 30, 2019)—HarperCollins Christian Publishing and HarperCollins Focus today announced that Don Jacobson will lead the organizations’ book publishing programs as senior v-p and group publisher.  Joining the organization on October 7, Jacobson will be based in Nashville, Tenn., report to Mark Schoenwald, president and CEO, HarperCollins Christian Publishing, and will serve on the company’s executive leadership team.

In this role, Jacobson will be responsible for the strategy and direction for trade books and curriculum publishing for Thomas Nelson and Zondervan. In addition, Jacobson will oversee HarperCollins Focus’ publishing strategy and its expansion in the general market.  He will work with all divisions to meet goals, develop new business initiatives, and manage relationships with key authors, retailers, distributors, and staff.

Jacobson is a 35-year publishing industry veteran, with experience in owning and operating publishing companies, as well as representing authors as a literary agent. In 1992, Jacobson bought Multnomah Press which experienced substantial growth and employed more than 140 people eventually selling to Random House.  Jacobson then founded D.C. Jacobson and Associates, a literary management agency that represents authors such as Sarah Mae, Joel Manby, Jamie Ivy, Jess Connolly, and Myquillyn Smith.

“I’ve known of Don and his entrepreneurial approach to our industry for many years,” said Mark Schoenwald.  “He’s been successful in many different areas of the industry, from acquisitions to growing and selling a publishing company to helping launch the careers of well-known and admired authors. We’re excited for Don to join our team and lead this next chapter of our company’s story.  We believe his deep experience, leadership, and strategic thinking will be a great addition to our organization.”

“I cannot think of a more rewarding opportunity than to be part of HarperCollins Christian Publishing and HarperCollins Focus and the direction these companies are taking content creation in the inspirational space,” said Jacobson. “I am looking forward to working for a new company and using my industry knowledge and experience to be part of a great leadership team.  Because I have known and respected many of the leadership for many years, it almost feels like coming home.”

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 other 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.

About HarperCollins Focus

HarperCollins Focus owns and operates a collection of publishing imprints that enlighten and empower readers to transform their hearts and minds, connecting through story, advice, mentorship, and community.  The company is based in Nashville, TN.  For more information, visit www.HarperCollinsFocus.com. 

Evangelical Christian Publishers Association names Lysa TerKeurst’s Embraced as Christian Book of the Year

(Nashville, TN) May 3, 2019—HarperCollins Christian Publishing (HCCP) is honored to have both its publishing groups, Thomas Nelson and Zondervan, recognized by the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association (ECPA) at the 2019 Christian Book Awards.

During its annual Leadership Summit in Chicago, IL, ECPA announced the 2019 recipients of their Christian Book Awards. Lysa TerKeurst was awarded the night’s top honor when Embraced: 100 Devotions to Know God is Holding You Close (Thomas Nelson) was named the 2019 Christian Book of the Year. Nabeel Qureshi was posthumously honored when his book Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus: Third Edition with Bonus Content, New Reflections (Zondervan) won in the Audio category.

HCCP was also recognized with three Platinum Sales Awards, which are awarded to titles that surpassed one million copies sold. Recipients for 2019 included Mark Batterson’s Circle Maker (Zondervan), Sarah Young’s Jesus Calling: 365 Devotions for Kids (Thomas Nelson), and Bob Goff’s Love Does (Thomas Nelson).

“It’s an honor to have our authors and publishing teams recognized by the ECPA for their efforts to reach readers around with world with meaningful content,” says Mark Schoenwald, CEO and president of HarperCollins Christian Publishing. “We are proud to partner with authors like Lysa who help further our mission to inspire the world with content that honors Jesus Christ.”

“To have Nabeel’s work honored by the ECPA is a testament to the legacy he left by sharing the powerful story of his conversion from Islam to Christianity,” says Stanley N. Gundry, senior v-p and publisher for Zondervan Reflective. “It’s a privilege to continue to steward his message and allow his witness for God to live on through his writing.”

Additionally, David Moberg, senior v-p and group publisher for HCCP, was honored with the ECPA Chair Award for the outstanding contributions he has made to the industry throughout his career. Moberg plans to retire this year, effective at the end of June.

About HarperCollins Christian Publishing: The world’s leading Christian publisher, HarperCollins Christian Publishing Inc., comprises both Thomas Nelson and Zondervan publishing groups in addition to Olive Tree Bible Software.  The Company produces bestselling Bibles, inspirational books, academic resources, curriculum, audio and digital content for the Christian market space.  Also home to BibleGateway.com, the world’s largest Christian website, and FaithGateway.com, an online community dedicated to helping people grow in their faith. HarperCollins Christian Publishing is headquartered in Nashville, TN with additional offices in the U.S. and Mexico.  For more information visit www.HarperCollinsChristian.com.

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.

(Nashville, Tenn.) June 4, 2018- Today, the hearts of HarperCollins Christian Publishing employees are mourning the loss of a dear friend and former leader.   On the afternoon of June 1, 2018, Sam Moore, former CEO of Thomas Nelson Publishers and founder of Royal Publishing, passed away.

Born in Beirut, Lebanon, Sam Ziady Moore was a 19-year-old Lebanese immigrant who moved to America in the 1950s with only 600 dollars in savings and a dream to attend college.  He began to sell Bibles door-to-door to pay for his tuition, and in 1958, Moore established his own company, National Book Publishers in Nashville, Tenn.  In 1961, Moore founded Royal Publishing, a fast-growing Christian publisher, by enlisting strategic partners like the late-American entrepreneur Jack C. Massey, co-founder of Hospital Corporation of America and Kentucky Fried Chicken, for capital and business advice.  In the late 1960s, Moore was approached by Thomas Nelson and Sons—a religious publishing house based in New York, originally founded in Edinburg, Scotland—with interest to purchase Royal Publishing.  Moore declined, but instead made an offer to purchase Thomas Nelson, and in 1969 Royal Publishing adopted the Thomas Nelson name, dropping “and Sons” to gain more international brand recognition.  Moore moved the Thomas Nelson publishing operations to Nashville, Tenn., where it remains today.

As the CEO of Thomas Nelson, Moore grew the company into one of the world’s largest evangelical publishing houses, acquiring multiple publishers and imprints with internationally recognized authors like Jerry Falwell, Billy Graham, Franklin Graham, Dr. David Jeremiah, Anne Graham Lotz, Max Lucado, John MacArthur, John Maxwell, Charles Stanley, Charles Swindoll and Zig Ziglar, among others.  One of Moore’s most ambitious business decisions came in the late 1970s when his then 10-year-old son said he could not understand the King James Version of the Bible. Moore was inspired to initiate a comprehensive 4.5 million-dollar translation project utilizing the expertise of 130 commissioned Bible scholars.  Seven years later, the New King James Version translation of the Bible was published for the first time in 1983 under Moore’s leadership to make the Bible easier to read and understand.  The project was said to be the high-point in Moore’s faith-journey, one that was started and inspired by American missionaries in Lebanon.

Moore retired in 2005 after nearly 47 years as CEO of Thomas Nelson, but continued to remain in close connection with the leaders who followed in his footsteps.  Mark Schoenwald, named president and CEO of Thomas Nelson in 2011 and current president and CEO of HarperCollins Christian Publishing said, “Sam was a unique man who embraced God’s plan for his life every day with courage and enthusiasm.  He dedicated his life’s work to preach and teach the good news of the Gospel.  Sam impacted and changed the lives of countless people with his time, effort and resources.  We are grateful for his vision and dedication to building our company, and appreciated his extended friendship after his retirement.  We are praying for his family, especially his wife Peggy, but we take comfort in knowing that Sam is now at peace in his eternal home.”

In the weeks leading up to his passing, Moore spent his time at home with his family and loved ones.  His son, Joseph “Joe” Moore, said, “Dad had a deep well of energy that he fueled into his love of family, work, travel and missions.  He was a strong leader and a loving patriarch to our family.  He led by example and taught each of us to not only dream big, but to find our calling and then work diligently and faithfully, always giving our best.”

The family requests that memorial donations be made in lieu of flowers to any of the ministries listed below, which Moore supported throughout his life.

Middle Eastern Bible Organization
P.O. Box 9764
The Woodlands, Texas 77387

Samaritan’s Purse
P.O. Box 3000
Boone, North Carolina 28607

The Gideon’s International
P.O. Box 140800
Nashville, Tennessee 37214

Westminster Chapel Presbyterian Church
7000 Executive Center Drive
Building Two, Suite 125
Brentwood, Tennessee  37027

About HarperCollins Christian Publishing: The world’s leading Christian publisher, HarperCollins Christian Publishing Inc., comprises both Thomas Nelson and Zondervan publishing groups in addition to Olive Tree Bible Software.  The Company produces bestselling Bibles, inspirational books, academic resources, curriculum, audio and digital content for the Christian market space.  Also home to BibleGateway.com, the world’s largest Christian website, and FaithGateway.com, an online community dedicated to helping people grow in their faith. HarperCollins Christian Publishing is headquartered in Nashville, TN with additional offices in the U.S. and Mexico.  For more information visit www.HarperCollinsChristian.com.

Company also received two Platinum Awards for titles selling more than one million units

(Nashville, TN) May 2, 2018—HarperCollins Christian Publishing announced today the company’s two publishing groups, Thomas Nelson and Zondervan, received four Christian Book Awards®, cumulatively, including Sarah Young’s bestselling “Jesus Always” (Thomas Nelson) winning the 2018 Christian Book of the Year.

At this year’s ECPA’s Leadership Summit, held in Washington, D.C., Thomas Nelson was also recognized at the ECPA Awards Celebration on Tuesday evening, May 1, 2018, for two titles achieving major sales milestones.

The 2018 Christian Book Award winners include:

• “Jesus Always: Embracing Joy in His Presence,” by Sarah Young (Thomas Nelson)-Christian Book of the Year
• “Evidence That Demands a Verdict: Life Changing Truth for a Skeptical World,” by Josh McDowell and Sean McDowell, PhD (Thomas Nelson)- Bible Reference Works
• “Good Good Father” by Chris Tomlin and Pat Barrett, illustrated by Lorna Hussey (Tommy Nelson)- Children
• “The Bible’s Explorer’s Guide” by Nancy I. Sanders (Zonderkidz)- Young People’s Literature*

The Platinum Award for outstanding sales achievements, reaching more than one million units sold, was given to “Jesus Always” by Sarah Young (Thomas Nelson) and “Uninvited: Living Loved When You Feel Less Than, Left Out, and Lonely” (Thomas Nelson) by Lysa TerKeurst.

In addition, HarperCollins Christian Publishing was honored to have eight additional titles to be named as award finalists in 11 categories:

• “Faithlife Illustrated Study Bible NIV” (Lexham Press, Zondervan)- Bibles
• “Kids’ Visual Study Bible NIV” (Zonderkidz)-Bibles
• “The Gospel According to Paul” by John MacArthur (Thomas Nelson)- Bible Study
• “God’s Great Love for You” by Rick Warren, illustrated by Chris Saunders (Zonderkidz)- Children
• “‘Twas the Evening of Christmas” by Glenys Nellist, illustrated by Elena Selivanova (Zonderkidz)- Children
• “Goliath Must Fall” by Louie Giglio (W Publishing, an imprint of Thomas Nelson)- Christian Living
• “Standing in the Fire” by Tom Doyle (W Publishing, an imprint of Thomas Nelson)- Faith and Culture
• “The Story of Reality” by Greg Koukl (Zondervan)- Faith and Culture

“Congratulations to the authors and publishing team award winners of the 2018 Christian Book Awards,” said Mark Schoenwald, president and CEO of HarperCollins Christian Publishing. “Special congratulations and thank you to Sarah Young for winning the Christian Book of the Year while also being recognized for one million units sold within a year.  The Jesus Calling brand continues to impact millions of people around the world, a true testament to our mission. All named winners and finalists are illustrating the breadth of influence our publishing groups have in delivering life-changing messages to people searching for inspiration.”

For more information about Thomas Nelson, go to www.thomasnelson.com. For more information about Zondervan, go to www.zondervan.com. For more information about HarperCollins Christian Publishing go to www.harpercollinschristian.com.

About HarperCollins Christian Publishing: The world’s leading Christian publisher, HarperCollins Christian Publishing Inc., comprises both Thomas Nelson and Zondervan publishing groups in addition to Olive Tree Bible Software.  The Company produces bestselling Bibles, inspirational books, academic resources, curriculum, audio and digital content for the Christian market space.  Also home to BibleGateway.com, the world’s largest Christian website, and FaithGateway.com, an online community dedicated to helping people grow in their faith. HarperCollins Christian Publishing is headquartered in Nashville, TN with additional offices in the U.S., and Mexico.  For more information visit www.HarperCollinsChristian.com.

(Nashville, TN) It is with great sadness that HarperCollins Christian Publishing has learned of the death of Billy Graham.

“It has been a privilege to have Billy Graham as part of our publishing family,” says Mark Schoenwald, president and CEO of HarperCollins Christian Publishing.  “His work here on earth has been unsurpassed and we are comforted that he is at the side of his heavenly Father.  Our world is forever impacted by the example he set as a follower of Jesus Christ, and for that we are grateful.”

“Despite the great publishing success that Billy Graham enjoyed for over fifty years, it was never about bestsellers,” says David Moberg, senior v-p and group publisher for HarperCollins Christian Publishing Trade Books Group. “It was always only about one thing…the Gospel.  We have been blessed and inspired to have served as his publisher for many years and will always treasure this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”

Since 1975, Thomas Nelson had been Dr. Graham’s majority trade book publisher. In that time the publishing group has partnered with Dr. Graham on numerous million-copy bestsellers including “Angels: God’s Secret Agents” and “How to Be Born Again.” In September 2015, at the age of 96, Graham released his last  book “Where I Am: Heaven, Eternity, and Our Life Beyond.” His two previous releases“Nearing Home: Life, Faith, and Finishing Well” (October 2011) and “The Reason for My Hope: Salvation” (October 2013), were both New York Times best sellers. Zondervan and HarperOne, sister company to HarperCollins Christian Publishing, co-published Dr. Graham’s autobiography, “Just As I Am,” in May, 1997.

“To have published Billy Graham is one of the most treasured experiences of my life,” said Matt Baugher, who worked as  Billy Graham’s publisher for ten years. “Billy Graham had one reason, and one reason only, to preach, teach, and write. That reason was the foundational gospel of Jesus Christ. He never watered down that message, yet was somehow accepted around the world by a wide variety of individuals, groups and belief systems.”

Billy Graham, the world-renowned author, preacher, and evangelist, delivered the gospel message to more people face-to-face than anyone in history and ministered on every continent of the world. Millions have read his inspirational classics, including “Angels,” “The Secret of Happiness,” “Peace with God,” “The Holy Spirit,” “Hope for the Troubled Heart,” and “How to be Born Again.”

FOR MEDIA INQUIRIES, CONTACT CASEY HARRELL

About HarperCollins Christian Publishing: The world’s leading Christian publisher, HarperCollins Christian Publishing Inc., comprising both Thomas Nelson and Zondervan publishing groups and Olive Tree Bible Software. The Company produces bestselling Bibles, inspirational books, academic resources, curriculum, audio and digital content for the Christian market space. Also home to BibleGateway.com, the world’s largest Christian website, and FaithGateway.com, an online community dedicated to helping people grow in their faith. HarperCollins Christian Publishing is headquartered in Nashville, TN with additional offices in Grand Rapids, MI  and Spokane, WA. For more information visit www.HarperCollinsChristian.com