London, Sydney, New York: 12th November 2008: HarperCollins today announced that Michael Moynahan will be the new Chief Executive Officer for Australia and New Zealand moving from his current post as Managing Director, Random House India and Chairman, Random House, New Zealand. He will take up his post in the New Year. President and Chief Executive Officer HarperCollins, Worldwide, Brian Murray said: “I am excited to have Michael return to HarperCollins as CEO of Australia and New Zealand. Michael’s leadership and international experience will add to our strong executive team to position HarperCollins for continued growth.”
Victoria Barnsley, Chief Executive Officer and Publisher, HarperCollins UK and International, to whom Michael will report, said: “We are delighted to have lured Michael back to HarperCollins. His extensive publishing background and management experience, along with an impressive track record in growing Random House’s business in both India and New Zealand, make him a perfect choice to take our business to the next level in Australia and New Zealand.”
Michael Moynahan said: “I can’t wait to get to Sydney and to start working with such a highly talented group of people. HarperCollins ANZ rightly enjoys an enviable position in the market and I am looking forward to working with the team to build on a really strong base and find new opportunities to grow.”
With over 15 years senior-level publishing experience, Michael started his publishing career with HarperCollins in New Zealand in 1988 and then moved to Random House before eventually becoming Managing Director in New Zealand and, earlier this year, Managing Director, India and Chairman, New Zealand.
During the last five years, HarperCollins ANZ has experienced significant growth and strong profits, developed an award-winning local publishing programme and was Publisher of the Year in 2005. With a staff of 300, the key imprints are Angus & Robertson, Fourth Estate, Collins and Voyager. Best selling authors include Donna Hay, Geraldine Brooks and Peter Fitzsimons.
Commenting on his departure, Brian Davies, Random House Group’s managing director overseas companies, said: “It has been a pleasure working with Michael and he takes with him all our best wishes for the future. One of his greatest legacies will be the strong teams he leaves in place at both Random House India and Random House New Zealand. We will be announcing Michael’s replacement shortly.”