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Global role for McAleer at Walker Books Group

04.07.12 | Katie Allen

Helen McAleer has been appointed to the newly created position of chief global development officer, the Walker Books Group, and managing director, Walker Productions.

McAleer stepped into the role on 1st July. Her responsibilities will include developing and leading the global team responsible for shaping the strategy, forecasts and delivery for the three Walker Group companies (UK, US, and Aus/NZ) and their properties and products in the development, exploitation, marketing and sale of auxiliary media rights.

As CGDO, she will also supervise all licensed and tie-in publishing for the companies globally.

“This new division for the Walker Group opens up tremendously exciting opportunities for our books, authors and illustrators worldwide," said Karen Lotz, Walker Group m.d. "I am thrilled that the American and Australian lists will now be able to benefit as the UK list has done from Helen’s top-of-the-industry expertise .. . Helen is passionate about reaching children through all platforms, and we look forward to seeing where she will take us."

McAleer joined Walker Books in London in 2006 as UK managing director. She founded Walker Productions in 2007 to develop Walker-owned content for other media platforms.

She will continue to report to Lotz. Lotz will also take on the role of interim UK m.d., and will continue as m.d. of the Walker Books Group and publisher of Candlewick Press.

McAleer added: "It is with great excitement that I embark on my new role within the Walker Group. As the industry continues to evolve it’s vital that we focus on diversifying the business beyond traditional publishing models and I plan to make sure that the many quality properties on the Walker list worldwide benefit from all the new opportunities opening up to us . . .

"I am hugely excited to now be concentrating on building on the extraordinary success of Walker Productions, which I first started in 2007, and to be working with Karen to further develop our fast-growing presence in the licensing and digital marketplaces. I can’t wait to continue introducing the Walker name to even more new partners, new formats and new audiences around the world.”

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