Julia Reidhead New President of W.W. Norton

Julia Reidhead (photo: Beowulf Sheehan)

Julia A. Reidhead has been named president of W.W. Norton, replacing W. Drake McFeely, who remains chairman, a position he's held since 2000. Most recently v-p and publishing director of the college department, Reidhead, who joined Norton in 1983, is the sixth president of the 93-year-old company and the first woman in that role. She also becomes president and director of the National Book Company, Norton's distribution center in Scranton, Pa., and of Liveright Publishing, a Norton subsidiary. In addition, she chairs the board of governors of Yale University Press.

McFeely, who had been president since 1994, commented: "Julia Reidhead, who has made her entire publishing career here at Norton, embodies all the values we hold dear: an abiding love of books and literature, pride in and dedication to the editorial process, a commitment to innovation (in particular, a deep understanding of the new avenues that digital media have opened), and above all, a passion for our status as independent publishers. With Julia at the helm, along with a rising and stellar team of senior managers, I feel exceedingly optimistic about the future of this great publishing house."

Reidhead said: "To be joining Drake McFeely in the overall management of this firm is a huge honor and a great joy. My colleagues and I are as proud of our independence and employee-ownership as we are of publishing distinctive books and digital media. I intend to uphold these qualities as we move toward Norton’s second century."

Reidhead joined Norton 33 years ago as a traveling college sales representative covering Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana. In 1984, she became assistant advertising manager of Norton's college department, and in 1986 became advertising manager. In 1988, she joined the editorial staff as associate editor for foreign language and freshman composition, then became editor, literature and composition, and in 1993, senior English editor, responsible for the Norton Anthologies. In 1999, she became associate director of the college department, editorial director in 2007, and publishing director in 2014. She was named a v-p in 1993 and was elected to the board of directors in 1996.