John Athanasiou made redundant at HarperCollins after 15 years

HarperCollins’ director of people John Athanasiou will leave HarperCollins after 15 years as his role is made redundant in a global HR function restructure.  

In-line with other changes to the global people team and to focus on collaboration and growth, the UK HR function will now report directly to senior vice president and chief people officer Zandra Magariño. Athanasiou’s final working day in the office will be 31st July 2024. 

Athanasiou joined HarperCollins in 2008 from Time Warner (now WarnerMedia) where he held the role of international executive search and operations director.  

“At HarperCollins John has been responsible for all aspects of people and culture including the full life cycle of talent strategies from learning and development and resourcing and retention strategies, to driving an industry-leading strategy on diversity, equity and inclusion,” the publisher said.  

“He has also delivered a pay transparency project which will support pay equity and the careers of the HarperCollins team now and in the future.” Athanasiou is also a certified executive coach and non-executive director at D&I consultancy company Included.   

Athanasiou said: “I have had an incredible 15 years at HarperCollins and I am very sad to be leaving. It has been a privilege to work with so many brilliant people and colleagues. I particularly want to thank my exceptional team; I am so proud of the work we have done in creating an inclusive and supportive culture where everyone can thrive and in helping to make HarperCollins UK a truly fantastic place to work.” 

HarperCollins chief executive Charlie Redmayne said: “John has been a fantastic HR director for us for many years and I am sorry to see him go. He has made a huge contribution to the UK business and has been a dedicated and ambitious advocate for HarperCollins and its people.”  

Redmayne added: “John has been instrumental in developing talent strategy and driving diversity and inclusion within our organisation and has been a significant part of our success. I will miss his wealth of people expertise, alongside his enthusiasm and commitment and I wish him all the best in his next role.”