HarperCollins CEO Brian Murray on Acquisitions, Industry Change & Importance of Choice
HarperCollins' expansion has also been spurred by changes in customer behavior and new digital capabilities. With the limitless shelf space offered by Google, Nook, and Kobo, the publisher is no longer solely dependent on bookstores or large distributors, said Murray.
Managing Change
Next, Shatzkin inquired how HarperCollins is managing change and whether bringing in skillsets that the book business hasn't traditionally traded in was a challenge. Murray responded that bringing in such outsiders and leading change is much easier today than 5 to 10 years ago - staff that has come up through the book industry have been witness for the need to change and understand, helping to hasten the pace of change. "That said, it's important that you bring in the right people. Not every Silicon Valley or consultant can parachute into the book business and survive." Murray added that outsiders have to appreciate the history of the book business but also be able to look at new ideas -- and fortunately the industry is much more receptive to new ideas now.
- Places:
- Latin America
- U.S.
Denis Wilson was previously content director for Target Marketing, Publishing Executive, and Book Business, as well as the FUSE Media and BRAND United summits. In this role, he analyzed and reported on the fundamental changes affecting the media and marketing industries and aimed to serve content-driven businesses with practical and strategic insight. As a writer, Denis’ work has been published by Fast Company, Rolling Stone, Fortune, and The New York Times.