Hachette Book Group Executive and Leadership Team

November, 2026

Leadership Overview

Hachette Book Group has 10 executives leading key functions including operations, information technology, marketing, finance, sales, and publishing management.

Committed to literary excellence and broad market reach, Hachette Book Group delivers diverse physical and audio-book content to readers across the globe while maintaining a robust publishing infrastructure.

Leadership Roles at Hachette Book Group

  • Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer - Stephen Mubarek
  • Chief Operating Officer - Beth Ford
  • President and Publisher, the Basic Books Group - Lara Heimert
  • President - Pamela Art
  • President & Publisher - Benjamin Sevier
  • President and Publisher, The Workman Running Press Group - Kristin Kiser
  • Office of the President - Richard Neylan
  • Senior Vice President, Chief Information Officer - Puneet Kukkal
  • Senior Vice President, Chief Marketing Officer - Leigh Marchant
  • 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, manages the fiscal health and long-term financial planning of the organization. Mubarek oversees capital allocation, budgeting, and financial reporting to ensure the company maintains a strong balance sheet. By monitoring revenue streams from physical and audio-book sales, the Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer provides the strategic insights necessary for executive decision-making. This role involves managing relationships with investors and ensuring compliance with all regulatory requirements. Stephen Mubarek also directs the financial analysis of potential acquisitions and new publishing ventures to support sustainable growth. Through rigorous cost management and revenue optimization, the Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer secures the resources needed for ongoing innovation. Mubarek maintains the financial stability required to navigate the evolving demands of the global publishing industry.
    Stephen Mubarek

    Beth Ford - Chief Operating Officer

    Beth Ford, the Chief Operating Officer at Hachette Book Group, directs all internal logistics and supply chain operations for the publishing house. Ford manages the complex distribution networks required to move physical books from printing facilities to retail partners across North America. By optimizing inventory management systems, the Chief Operating Officer ensures that titles reach bookstores with maximum efficiency. This role involves close collaboration with the finance department to align operational expenditures with broader corporate goals. Beth Ford also oversees the integration of new digital workflows to streamline production cycles for both print and audio-book formats. Through rigorous process improvement, the Chief Operating Officer maintains the high standards of quality expected by authors and readers alike. Ford drives operational excellence to support the long-term growth of the company within the competitive media landscape.

    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 editorial vision and acquisition strategy for the Basic Books imprint. Heimert oversees the selection of non-fiction titles that define the intellectual landscape of the company. By managing a team of editors and publicists, the President and Publisher, the Basic Books Group ensures that each manuscript receives the necessary support for successful publication. This role involves identifying high-impact authors and negotiating contracts that align with the company's mission. Lara Heimert also directs the long-term development of the imprint's catalog to maintain its reputation for excellence. Through careful curation and strategic planning, the President and Publisher, the Basic Books Group fosters a portfolio of influential works. Heimert drives the growth of the imprint by consistently delivering high-quality content to a discerning readership.

    Pamela Art - President

    Pamela Art, the President at Hachette Book Group, provides high-level leadership and strategic direction for the entire publishing organization. Art oversees the alignment of editorial, marketing, and operational functions to ensure the company achieves its long-term objectives. By fostering a culture of innovation, the President encourages the development of new publishing models that adapt to changing consumer preferences. This role involves representing the company in industry forums and maintaining strong relationships with key stakeholders. Pamela Art also directs the executive team to ensure consistent performance across all imprints and departments. Through the implementation of forward-thinking policies, the President strengthens the company's position as a leader in the media industry. Art executes the overarching vision that guides the organization in delivering exceptional books to readers worldwide while maintaining operational excellence.

    Benjamin Sevier - President & Publisher

    Benjamin Sevier, the President & Publisher at Hachette Book Group, leads the editorial strategy and creative direction for the publishing house. Sevier oversees the acquisition of new manuscripts and the development of existing author relationships to build a robust catalog of titles. By managing the editorial staff, the President & Publisher ensures that every book meets the high standards of quality associated with the company. This role involves balancing the creative needs of authors with the commercial requirements of the business. Benjamin Sevier also directs the long-term planning for the imprint's growth and market presence. Through the identification of compelling narratives and market trends, the President & Publisher shapes the literary output of the organization. Sevier drives the success of the publishing program by fostering an environment where creative talent thrives and reaches a wide audience.
    Benjamin Sevier

    Kristin Kiser - President and Publisher, The Workman Running Press Group

    Kristin Kiser, the President and Publisher, The Workman Running Press Group at Hachette Book Group, directs the editorial and commercial strategy for the Workman and Running Press imprints. Kiser oversees the development of unique, high-quality books that cater to diverse consumer interests. By managing the editorial and design teams, the President and Publisher, The Workman Running Press Group ensures that each title stands out in a crowded marketplace. This role involves identifying niche markets and developing products that resonate with specific reader demographics. Kristin Kiser also coordinates with the sales and marketing departments to maximize the reach of the imprint's catalog. Through the curation of engaging content, the President and Publisher, The Workman Running Press Group maintains the strong brand identity of the imprints. Kiser drives the growth of the business by consistently delivering innovative and popular publications.

    Richard Neylan - Office of the President

    Richard Neylan, the Office of the President at Hachette Book Group, facilitates the execution of strategic initiatives and coordinates cross-departmental operations. Neylan manages the flow of information between the executive leadership and the various publishing imprints to ensure organizational alignment. By overseeing special projects and administrative priorities, the Office of the President supports the efficient functioning of the company's core business activities. This role involves analyzing operational data to identify areas for improvement and implementing solutions that enhance productivity. Richard Neylan also assists in the development of long-term planning and resource allocation strategies. Through the coordination of key stakeholders, the Office of the President ensures that the company's mission is reflected in all daily operations. Neylan drives the success of the organization by maintaining clear communication and operational focus across all levels of the business.

    Puneet Kukkal - Senior Vice President, Chief Information Officer

    Puneet Kukkal, the Senior Vice President, Chief Information Officer at Hachette Book Group, architects the digital infrastructure supporting the entire publishing enterprise. Kukkal manages the cybersecurity protocols and data management systems essential for protecting intellectual property and sensitive author information. By implementing scalable cloud solutions, the Senior Vice President, Chief Information Officer enables seamless collaboration between editorial teams and production departments. This leadership role involves evaluating emerging technologies to enhance the digital delivery of audio-books and e-commerce platforms. Puneet Kukkal also directs the IT strategy to ensure robust connectivity across all regional offices. Through the modernization of internal software, the Senior Vice President, Chief Information Officer improves data accessibility for decision-makers. Kukkal secures the technological foundation necessary for the company to thrive in an increasingly digital-first publishing market.
    Puneet Kukkal

    Leigh Marchant - Senior Vice President, Chief Marketing Officer

    Leigh Marchant, the Senior Vice President, Chief Marketing Officer at Hachette Book Group, drives brand visibility and consumer engagement for the extensive catalog of titles. Marchant oversees the development of multi-channel marketing campaigns that connect authors with target audiences across North America and international markets. By analyzing consumer data, the Senior Vice President, Chief Marketing Officer identifies emerging trends to inform promotional strategies for both physical and audio-book releases. This role involves coordinating with sales teams to ensure marketing efforts directly translate into increased market share. Leigh Marchant also manages relationships with media partners and influencers to amplify the reach of new publications. Through innovative digital advertising and public relations initiatives, the Senior Vice President, Chief Marketing Officer strengthens the company's reputation as a premier publisher. Marchant executes high-impact strategies that elevate the visibility of every title.

    Christopher Murphy - Senior Vice President, Group Sales Director

    Christopher Murphy, the Senior Vice President, Group Sales Director at Hachette Book Group, directs the commercial strategy and retail partnerships for the company. Murphy manages the sales teams responsible for placing physical and audio-book titles in major retail outlets and independent bookstores across the country. By fostering strong relationships with key distributors, the Senior Vice President, Group Sales Director ensures optimal shelf space and product availability. This role involves analyzing sales performance data to adjust inventory levels and promotional tactics in real-time. Christopher Murphy also collaborates with the marketing department to align sales initiatives with broader brand campaigns. Through the expansion of retail channels, the Senior Vice President, Group Sales Director drives revenue growth and market penetration. Murphy executes sales strategies that maximize the commercial success of the diverse portfolio of books published by the organization.

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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 Lara Heimert (President and Publisher, the Basic Books Group).
    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), Lara Heimert (President and Publisher, the Basic Books Group) 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 and Publisher, the Basic Books Group, President, President & Publisher.