MAIN NEWS HEADLINES
May 31 – June 7, 2006 Edition
Christian Publisher
Zondervans
CEO to Depart
GRAND RAPIDS, MI/5/31/07– Zondervan last week announced its president and CEO, Doug Lockhart, will step down from his position effective June 1, 2007. Former long-time president and CEO, Bruce Ryskamp, who retired from Zondervan in 2005 but has remained in a consulting role, will return to serve as interim president and CEO. No one at parent company HarperCollins would discuss the reasons for Lockhart’s departure.
“I consider it a great privilege to have served in this role and to have been a part of the tremendous Zondervan family, which is truly the most dedicated, loyal and mission-minded team of people I have ever worked with,” said Lockhart. “I look forward to a smooth transition and will pray for the continued success of the organization as it strives to achieve its mission and continue its leadership in Christian publishing.”
Ryskamp will work with Lockhart through the transition. Ryskamp has a 25-year history with Zondervan, joining the company in 1983 as vice president of its Bible division. He was promoted to other leadership positions and eventually to president and CEO in 1993, a position he held until retiring in 2005. Since his retirement from Zondervan, he has continued to work with Zondervan and parent company HarperCollins Publishers, serving as a special advisor to president and CEO Jane Friedman.
About Zondervan
Zondervan, a division of HarperCollins Publishers, is a world-leader in Christian communications. For more than 75 years, Zondervan has produced bestselling, award-winning and life-changing products by some of the most relevant Christian leaders and emerging voices of the day. The company produces Bibles, including the best-selling NIV Bible translation, books and new media products as well as children’s products from its Zonderkidz group. Visit Zondervan on the Web at www.zondervan.com.
