Harper Collins announced that it has combined Zondervan and Thomas Nelson Publishing divisions into a single area and has created an entirely new Christian publishing division.
From their press release: “Schoenwald will remain based in Nashville, Tenn., and will spend part of his time in Grand Rapids, Mich., where Zondervan will continue to operate from its current location. The two companies have different, though complementary, missions and both will continue to acquire and publish books specific to those missions, competing as they have in the past, but collaborating where appropriate.”
Mark Schoenwald (formerly of Thomas Nelson) has been tapped to be the CEO of the new division. He said in the press release: “I feel blessed to have the opportunity to lead the Christian publishing division for HarperCollins Publishers,” said Schoenwald. “I am fortunate to move into this role with the benefit of a strong foundation to build on, coupled with many talented people on both teams. I anticipate a smooth transition as we begin to work together, optimizing all strengths to create an even more successful publishing program for these two distinct brands which, combined, have 300 years of publishing experience and history.”
There was no mention of a name for this new division.
