Hachette Book Group Executive and Leadership Team

June, 2026

Leadership Overview

Hachette Book Group has 10 executives leading key functions including operations, technology, marketing, finance, people, audio publishing, academic publishing, communications, sales, and presidential oversight.

Driven by a commitment to publishing excellence, Hachette Book Group fosters a diverse literary landscape, connecting authors with readers worldwide and shaping cultural conversations through a broad spectrum of physical and audio content.

Leadership Roles at Hachette Book Group

  • Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer - Stephen Mubarek
  • Chief Operating Officer - Beth Ford
  • President, Publisher, Hachette Audio - Ana Allessi
  • President and Publisher, the Basic Books Group - Lara Heimert
  • Office of the President - Richard Neylan
  • Senior Vice President, Chief Information Officer - Puneet Kukkal
  • Senior Vice President, Chief Marketing Officer - Leigh Marchant
  • Chief People Officer - Carrie Bloxson
  • Chief Communications Officer (Cco) - Gabrielle Gambrell
  • Senior Vice President, Group Sales Director - Christopher Murphy
  • Stephen Mubarek - Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer

    Stephen Mubarek, the Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer at Hachette Book Group, directs the company's financial strategy and fiscal operations. Mubarek oversees all aspects of financial planning, budgeting, accounting, and investment management, ensuring the fiscal health and stability of the organization. This pivotal role involves managing capital allocation, risk assessment, and financial reporting to stakeholders, including the board and investors. By providing strategic financial guidance, Stephen Mubarek supports Hachette Book Group's growth objectives and operational efficiency. The Chief Financial Officer's responsibilities also encompass driving profitability and optimizing financial performance across all publishing divisions. Mubarek's leadership ensures robust financial controls and strategic resource deployment.
    Stephen Mubarek

    Beth Ford - Chief Operating Officer

    Beth Ford, the Chief Operating Officer at Hachette Book Group, directs all operational facets of the publishing house. Ford oversees the complex logistics involved in producing and distributing both physical books and audiobooks, ensuring efficient workflows across departments. This leadership role involves optimizing supply chain management and enhancing operational scalability to meet market demands. By streamlining internal processes, Beth Ford directly supports the company's mission to deliver high-quality content to a global audience. The Chief Operating Officer's strategic focus includes driving efficiencies that bolster Hachette Book Group's competitive position in the dynamic publishing industry. Ford's oversight ensures seamless integration of new technologies and methodologies to maintain operational excellence.

    Ana Allessi - President, Publisher, Hachette Audio

    Ana Allessi, the President, Publisher, Hachette Audio at Hachette Book Group, directs the strategic vision and operational execution for the company's audiobook division. Allessi oversees all aspects of audiobook production, acquisition, marketing, and distribution, ensuring Hachette Audio remains a leader in the spoken-word market. This key leadership position involves identifying new opportunities for growth, fostering author and narrator relationships, and expanding the reach of audio content. By championing innovation in audio storytelling, Ana Allessi drives the expansion of Hachette Book Group's presence in this rapidly growing segment. The President, Publisher, Hachette Audio's focus includes developing strategic partnerships and leveraging technology to enhance the listener experience. Allessi's leadership ensures the continued success and evolution of Hachette Audio.

    Lara Heimert - President and Publisher, the Basic Books Group

    Lara Heimert, the President and Publisher, the Basic Books Group at Hachette Book Group, leads the strategic direction and editorial vision for this prominent non-fiction imprint. Heimert oversees the acquisition of new titles, the development of author platforms, and the overall publishing program for Basic Books, ensuring its continued prominence in intellectual and narrative non-fiction. This critical role involves guiding editorial teams, managing budgets, and driving sales and marketing efforts to reach a broad readership. By curating a distinguished list of authors and subjects, Lara Heimert enhances the reputation and market impact of the Basic Books Group. The President and Publisher's focus includes identifying emerging trends and fostering a culture of rigorous scholarship and compelling storytelling. Heimert's expertise ensures the imprint's enduring contribution to public discourse.

    Richard Neylan - Office of the President

    Richard Neylan, holding a position within the Office of the President at Hachette Book Group, provides direct support and strategic counsel to the company's highest leadership. Neylan engages in critical initiatives that advance the president's agenda, contributing to key decision-making processes and operational oversight. This role involves coordinating cross-departmental projects, analyzing market dynamics, and ensuring alignment with the company's strategic objectives. By facilitating communication and driving forward presidential priorities, Richard Neylan plays a significant part in Hachette Book Group's overall direction and success. The focus within the Office of the President involves ensuring seamless execution of top-level directives and supporting the company's mission to publish a wide array of books. Neylan's contributions bolster the effectiveness of executive leadership.

    Puneet Kukkal - Senior Vice President, Chief Information Officer

    Puneet Kukkal, the Senior Vice President, Chief Information Officer at Hachette Book Group, architects the company's technology strategy and infrastructure. Kukkal leads the development and implementation of digital solutions that support publishing operations, from manuscript submission to reader engagement. This critical role involves managing IT systems, cybersecurity, and data management to safeguard company assets and intellectual property. By driving technological innovation, Puneet Kukkal ensures Hachette Book Group remains at the forefront of digital publishing advancements. The Chief Information Officer's responsibilities extend to enhancing the digital experience for both internal teams and external partners, facilitating seamless content creation and distribution. Kukkal's vision guides the integration of cutting-edge technologies to improve efficiency and expand market reach.

    Leigh Marchant - Senior Vice President, Chief Marketing Officer

    Leigh Marchant, the Senior Vice President, Chief Marketing Officer at Hachette Book Group, spearheads all marketing and brand initiatives. Marchant directs the strategic development and execution of campaigns that promote Hachette Book Group's diverse portfolio of authors and titles across physical and audio formats. This leadership position involves overseeing market research, digital marketing, public relations, and advertising efforts to maximize audience engagement and sales. By crafting compelling narratives and leveraging data-driven insights, Leigh Marchant enhances the visibility and impact of the company's publications. The Chief Marketing Officer's focus includes fostering strong relationships with consumers and the literary community, driving brand loyalty and market penetration. Marchant's expertise ensures Hachette Book Group's continued success in connecting readers with compelling stories.

    Carrie Bloxson - Chief People Officer

    Carrie Bloxson, the Chief People Officer at Hachette Book Group, leads all human resources functions and talent management strategies. Bloxson oversees the development and implementation of programs focused on employee engagement, organizational culture, diversity, equity, and inclusion. This essential role involves shaping policies that attract, retain, and develop a high-performing workforce across the company's publishing operations. By fostering a supportive and dynamic work environment, Carrie Bloxson ensures Hachette Book Group cultivates top talent and promotes professional growth. The Chief People Officer's strategic priorities include enhancing employee experience and aligning people initiatives with the company's overarching business objectives. Bloxson's commitment to people development strengthens the organization's capacity for innovation and success.
    Carrie Bloxson

    Gabrielle Gambrell - Chief Communications Officer (Cco)

    Gabrielle Gambrell, the Chief Communications Officer (Cco) at Hachette Book Group, directs the company's comprehensive communication strategies and public relations efforts. Gambrell oversees all internal and external communications, including media relations, corporate messaging, crisis communications, and social impact initiatives. This vital role involves shaping the public perception of Hachette Book Group and its diverse imprints, ensuring consistent and effective brand messaging. By managing stakeholder communications and fostering positive relationships with the media and public, Gabrielle Gambrell enhances the company's reputation and influence. The Chief Communications Officer's strategic focus includes developing proactive communication plans that support business objectives and promote the company's values. Gambrell's expertise ensures clear and impactful dialogue across all communication channels.
    Gabrielle Gambrell

    Christopher Murphy - Senior Vice President, Group Sales Director

    Christopher Murphy, the Senior Vice President, Group Sales Director at Hachette Book Group, leads the company's extensive sales operations across all channels. Murphy directs the strategy and execution of sales initiatives for Hachette Book Group's diverse range of physical books and audiobooks, managing relationships with key retail partners, distributors, and direct-to-consumer platforms. This crucial role involves driving revenue growth, optimizing sales performance, and ensuring broad market access for the company's publications. By fostering strong sales networks and implementing effective go-to-market strategies, Christopher Murphy maximizes the commercial success of Hachette Book Group's titles. The Senior Vice President, Group Sales Director's focus includes analyzing market trends and adapting sales approaches to meet evolving consumer demands. Murphy's leadership ensures Hachette Book Group's robust presence in the book market.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Hachette Book Group Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Hachette Book Group?
    Hachette Book Group is led by Stephen Mubarek (Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer), along with executives such as Beth Ford (Chief Operating Officer) and Ana Allessi (President, Publisher, Hachette Audio).
    Who is part of Hachette Book Group’s executive team?
    The executive team of Hachette Book Group includes leaders such as Stephen Mubarek (Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer), Beth Ford (Chief Operating Officer), Ana Allessi (President, Publisher, Hachette Audio) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Hachette Book Group have?
    Hachette Book Group has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Hachette Book Group’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Hachette Book Group includes roles such as Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, President, Publisher, Hachette Audio, President and Publisher, the Basic Books Group, Office of the President.