HarperCollins CEO and leadership

Brian Murray is President and Chief Executive Officer of HarperCollins Publishers. Since being appointed CEO in 2008, HarperCollins has grown its revenues 50% and expanded its global footprint from operating only in English language territories to publishing in 16 languages and across 24 countries. Growth has come from organic investment in authors, imprints and new capabilities as well as acquisitions, including that of publishers Thomas Nelson and Harlequin.

Under Murray’s leadership, HarperCollins has transitioned from a traditional print publishing company to a dynamic print and digital publisher with more than $350M in digital revenues derived from new and innovative business models. The company’s strategic partnerships and strong relationships with booksellers and distributors of all sizes, new start-ups and large tech platforms have been instrumental in HarperCollins’ transformation.

Murray joined HarperCollins in 1997 and held several positions in the U.S. General Books Group until he was named Chief Executive Officer of HarperCollins Australia/New Zealand in 2001. In 2004, he returned to the United States as Group President.

Murray is past chair of the Association of American Publishers and currently serves on the board. He has also served on the Executive Committee of the International Publishers Association, where he was actively involved in activities that protect authors’ copyrights and freedom of expression.

Chantal Restivo-Alessi is Chief Digital Officer and CEO, International Foreign Language for HarperCollins Publishers, leading the overall global digital strategy and foreign language publishing program for the company. She works with each division around the world to manage commercial relationships with new and existing digital partners, grow digital revenues, and oversee the company’s developing foreign language publishing program. She is also a member of the company’s executive committee. She was appointed Chief Digital Officer in May 2012, and expanded her role to CEO, International in April 2015.

Since joining HarperCollins, Restivo-Alessi has pioneered the use of new digital sales channels, signing numerous deals with new distributors, such as subscription services Scribd and Oyster. In addition, she led the launch of the company’s e-commerce platform on www.HC.com.

Restivo-Alessi has extensive expertise in strategy development and execution, has held numerous senior strategy positions and has more than 20 years of international media management experience.

Charlie Redmayne is a Chief Executive Officer at HarperCollins Publishers. He has worked as Chief Executive Officer at Pottermore and Chief Digital Officer at HarperCollins Publishers.

Craig Swinwood was appointed Publisher and CEO of Harlequin in January 2014, and is responsible for Harlequin’s global Publishing and Operations. Prior to assuming this position, Craig served as the Chief Operating Officer, North America for Harlequin Enterprises Ltd., where he was responsible for the North American operating units. Craig joined Harlequin in 1987 as a Sales Representative and subsequently held progressively more senior roles in Sales and Marketing. Born and raised in Montreal, Craig is a graduate of the University of Western Ontario, where he completed his Executive MBA at the Ivey business school in 2011.

Janet Gervasio is Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer for HarperCollins Publishers, responsible for accounting, credit and collections, budgeting, forecasting, financial planning, internal and external financial reporting, financial analysis and strategic management. She was appointed to this position in 1999.

Gervasio joined HarperCollins Publishers in 1985 as Budget Director. She later served as Business Manager of Basic Books, Vice President Finance of Children’s and Vice President Finance of North America before being named CFO. Gervasio came to HarperCollins from Arthur Andersen, where she was a Senior Accountant. She is a certified public accountant.

Mark Schoenwald was appointed President and CEO of HarperCollins Christian Publishing in July 2012. Prior to that, he served as President and CEO of Thomas Nelson, Inc. Mark began his career at Thomas Nelson in 2004 as Chief Sales Officer.

Mark had a strong history of executive leadership roles. Prior to joining the publishing industry, Mark was involved in the private equity business, primarily on the operating side, having served as president of three portfolio companies that focused on home furnishings, gifts and the distribution business.