The WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group has announced the retirement of its president and publisher, Steve Cobb, after 18 years with the company. Alex Field, who was most recently vice president and publisher for David C Cook, will join WaterBrook Multnomah in the same capacity starting Dec. 1.
In a letter to Crown employees, Tina Constable, senior vice president and publisher, Christian publishing, at Crown Publishing Group—of which WaterBrook Multnomah is a part—reflected on this time of transition as “a transformative moment in the life of the Crown Publishing Group’s religious publishing program.”
“With our WaterBrook Press, Multnomah Books, Convergent Books and Image imprints, ours is the only such program in trade publishing with dedicated imprints to serve every major Christian tradition,” said Constable, who has been with WaterBrook Multnomah for five months and with Penguin Random House for 28 years. “Religious publishing is a core business for us—and one that we are strongly invested in growing, by building upon the firm foundation established under Steve.”
Constable celebrated the diversity of the company while announcing a refreshed editorial mission for each imprint.
“These changes are intended to strengthen our ability to focus, and enhance, the distinct core strengths and sensibilities of WaterBrook, Multnomah and Convergent, respectively,” Constable said in the letter. “We are committed to advancing our mission of publishing books that meet the interests of a full spectrum of readers, in acknowledging and respecting the vibrant theological diversity within the Christian community.”
Constable called Field, who will report to her, a “true rising star in the Christian publishing community and a man of deep and humble faith.”
She applauded his many skills and strategic work with David C Cook.
“Alex’s sharp editorial focus, creative energy and broad management experience—coupled with his deep personal faith—make him ideally suited to lead WaterBrook Multnomah as we embark together to build upon our rich history in the evangelical space,” Constable said.
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SOURCE: Christian Retailing
Christine D. Johnson
BCNN1 WP 