Brian Murray is President and Chief Executive Officer of HarperCollins Publishers. Since being appointed CEO in 2008, HarperCollins has grown its revenues 50% and expanded its global footprint from operating only in English language territories to publishing in 16 languages and across 24 countries. Growth has come from organic investment in authors, imprints and new capabilities as well as acquisitions, including that of publishers Thomas Nelson and Harlequin.
Under Murray’s leadership, HarperCollins has transitioned from a traditional print publishing company to a dynamic print and digital publisher with more than $350M in digital revenues derived from new and innovative business models. The company’s strategic partnerships and strong relationships with booksellers and distributors of all sizes, new start-ups and large tech platforms have been instrumental in HarperCollins’ transformation.
Murray joined HarperCollins in 1997 and held several positions in the U.S. General Books Group until he was named Chief Executive Officer of HarperCollins Australia/New Zealand in 2001. In 2004, he returned to the United States as Group President.
Murray is past chair of the Association of American Publishers and currently serves on the board. He has also served on the Executive Committee of the International Publishers Association, where he was actively involved in activities that protect authors’ copyrights and freedom of expression.
