Exciting news! Gabrielle Gambrell has just been named the new Senior VP and Chief Communications Officer at Hachette Book Group
Hachette’s CEO David Shelley believes Gabrielle Gambrell’s creativity will elevate the company to new heights.
According to a press release shared with Black Enterprise, Gabrielle Gambrell has been announced as the new Senior Vice President and Chief Communications Officer of Hachette Book Group (HBG).
On August 1, Hachette’s CEO, David Shelley, revealed that Gambrell will take over from Sophie Cottrell. In her new role, Gambrell will join the executive management board, lead the Hachette Speakers Bureau, and oversee all branding, corporate, internal, and executive communications.
Gambrell will also be in charge of media relations, strategic communications, trade fairs, environmental programs, philanthropic initiatives, and partnerships with Hachette United Kingdom. Shelley is thrilled to welcome Gambrell, confident that her creativity will propel the company to new heights.
“I’m thrilled to be working with Gabrielle. Her creativity, flair, and diverse experience across various disciplines and industries will significantly enhance our ability to spread the word about the new worlds of ideas, entertainment, learning, and opportunities that books provide,” he said.
“With the industry in growth mode, I believe there has never been a more dynamic or exciting time for book publishing, and Gabrielle will be key in communicating these possibilities to the widest audience.”
The mother of two began her impressive career in mass communications as a Production and Talent Assistant for Disney, working on ABC’s Emmy Award-winning morning show “Live with Regis and Kelly.” Most recently, Gambrell was the head of communications for Inclusive Experiences and Technology, Employee Experience at Amazon. Before that, she made history as the first Black woman and the youngest person to lead the marketing and communications department at Barnard College of Columbia University as the Chief Marketing & Communications Officer.
Gambrell, a self-proclaimed “story lover,” is thrilled to join the Hachette community during this transformative time.
“Joining a prestigious industry leader during this transformative time is just one of the many reasons I’m excited to become part of the executive management team at HBG. If you’re a story lover like me, you’ve likely read many of Hachette’s acclaimed books,” she said.
“As a storyteller at heart, I look forward to elevating this world-renowned brand and showcasing all that HBG offers. Publishing impacts the entire world, shaping our understanding of information, thoughts, curiosity, and imagination. With David’s vision for the company’s future, the sky’s the limit for the new heights HBG will reach.”
Gambrell has led communication teams at several companies, including FCB Global, NBCUniversal, and CBS Corporation, where she was a charter member of the company’s first diversity council.
According to Publisher’s Weekly, Cottrell will depart from the company at the end of August 2024 after serving 16 years in her role and 22 years at HBG. She plans to “take a pause and enjoy some well-deserved downtime to consider her next steps.”
