Chris Emerson to replace David Young as Chair of the Hachette Livre COO Board

Arnaud Nourry announces today that Chris Emerson, Chief Operating Officer of Hachette UK is to replace David Young as Chair of the Hachette Livre Chief Operating Officers’ Board.

The COO Board was established in 2009 to oversee global initiatives in Hachette Livre’s digital and operational infrastructure. David Young, Chief Executive of Orion and Deputy CEO of Hachette UK stood down as Chair on his retirement from HUK this month.

Arnaud Nourry said: “Hachette Livre strives for excellence in innovation. The COO Board of Hachette Livre is at the heart of this, directing our strategy and ensuring that our publishing in all formats and in all markets is underpinned by the very best systems, technology and supply chain operations. I am delighted that Chris, who makes an enormous contribution to Hachette UK, is extending his role to Chair the COO Board.”

Chris Emerson said:” I feel enormously privileged to have been asked to take over from David Young who has led our COO Board so brilliantly over the last few years. His are big shoes to fill. As our markets continue to evolve, the challenges for modern publishers are complex. I am thrilled at the opportunity to work with my international colleagues to continue the development of our operational infrastructure to ensure that Hachette Livre remains the most innovative, technically-advanced and operationally-astute publisher in the world.”
Chris will take up his role immediately, reporting to Arnaud Nourry.
He will also join the international executive board of Hachette Livre.

Chris Emerson joined Hachette UK as Chief Operating Officer in 2008, coming from Technicolor where he was VP Commercial Development. Since joining Hachette UK, he has transformed IT and digital technology and masterminded the company’s move to its new central London headquarters He is also responsible for Hachette Distribution, which is now the market leader in the UK.

Members of the COO Board are:

• Chris Emerson (UK)
• Michèle Benbunan (France)
• Mario Huete Muñoz (Spain)
• Joe Mangan (USA)
• Pierre Danet (France)