Ebury's Rebecca Smart joins DK

Ebury m.d. Rebecca Smart is to join DK in the newly created role of managing director, publishing. Smart will join DK in January, with her successor at Ebury set to be announced later this autumn.

DK c.e.o. Ian Hudson described it as "an incredibly exciting time for DK", saying: "Rebecca's appointment is an important step for the company."

Hudson said: "Rebecca will join the DK Executive Board and play a key role in shaping our future strategy. With her mix of strategic leadership and commercial experience, combined with her vision, creativity and passion, she will lead the evolution of our global publishing, and seek out new digital and business development opportunities."

In a letter to staff today (4th September), Hudson clarified that Smart's specific responsibilities would include DK's five publishing divisions, design, UK marketing and PR, publishing operations and the Alpha business based in Indianapolis. He told staff:  "I know she will relish the prospect of working with our publishing directors and our highly creative teams in London and around the world as they seek to further develop and evolve DK's global publishing programmes. As managing director, publishing, she will also seek to expand on our many existing strengths by developing new entrepreneurial and digital opportunities."

Smart has been at Ebury for the past four years, after joining from Osprey Publishing. At Ebury, Smart has been responsible for launching imprints and brands, driving digital and online developments, and delivering new publishing strategies, working with authors including Yotam Ottolenghi and Rick Stein, and BBC brands. DK said she had "consistently demonstrated exceptional creativity and motivational leadership" in that role.

On the announcement of her new appointment, PRH UK c.e.o. Tom Weldon commented: "I have so enjoyed working with Rebecca over the last four years. She is both a very talented publisher and a real leader, driving forward cultural change. She has contributed enormously not just to Ebury but PRH UK as a whole. I am sad she is leaving, but pleased nevertheless she is staying within the broader PRH group, and wish her much success and happiness at DK."

Smart said: "I have loved my time at Ebury and I'm so grateful to the team there, and to Tom Weldon for his support. I am looking forward to being part of the DK leadership team, and delighted to be joining the company at such an exciting time to help drive its new strategy."