Rebecca Smart is joining DK in the newly created role of managing director, publishing, effective January 2019, the Bookseller reported. Her responsibilities will include DK's five publishing divisions, design, U.K. marketing and PR, publishing operations and the Alpha business based in Indianapolis. Most recently, Smart has been managing director at Ebury, and prior to that was at Osprey Publishing.
Describing Smart's appointment as "an important step for the company," DK CEO Ian 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."
Penguin Random House UK CEO 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."