The Bookseller.com

22nd August 2008

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Barnsley promoted as Friedman departs

05.06.08 Alison Flood

Victoria Barnsley is taking on responsibility for HarperCollins' operations in Australia, New Zealand, India and South Africa along with the UK, following the surprise announcement this morning that HC Worldwide c.e.o. and president Jane Friedman was leaving the company. Barnsley, HC UK c.e.o., is being promoted to c.e.o. and publisher of HC UK and International.

Michael Morrison, president and group publisher of the HarperMorrow division, is also being promoted, taking on the role of president and publisher of US general books and Canada.

"I am thrilled to have the opportunity to extend my remit at HC internationally," said Barnsley. "The rest of the world offers us tremendous growth opportunities and will be an ever more important part of our business. I've worked with Brian and Michael for several years and believe that as a team we can take HC to even greater heights."

Brian Murray, who replaces Friedman as HC Worldwide c.e.o. and president, said: "Michael and Victoria are two of the most creative publishing executives in the industry and I am looking forward to working closely with them to help HarperCollins grow and achieve even greater success. They both have a rare combination of terrific creative instincts and business acumen. They are ideal partners to help us build HarperCollins into the publisher of choice."

Barnsley has been publisher and c.e.o. of HC UK since 2000, when her company, Fourth Estate, was purchased by Friedman's HC. She sits on the worldwide board of HarperCollins and is chair of HarperCollins India.

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