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Spackman takes on Sceptre at Hodder

01.10.08 Catherine Neilan

James Spackman has been promoted to sales and marketing director of both John Murray and Sceptre. Previously he was responsible solely for John Murray. Hachette stressed the move would not affect either firm's output as they would "maintain their full editorial autonomy their own dedicated design, production and publicity teams with each imprint", under Roland Philipps, m.d. of John Murray, and Carole Welch, publishing director of Sceptre.

According to the publisher, Spackman will "use the combined strength of the two lists to work with the Hodder team to build substantially John Murray’s and Sceptre’s representation and sales in mass market accounts such as WH Smith and the supermarkets".

Outside these areas, John Murray will continue to be represented by the Hodder field and export sales teams, the firm added. Martin Neild, chief executive of Hodder & Stoughton and John Murray, said: "In his new role, James will play a major part in our ambitious plans for the growth of both lists by providing unique dedicated sales and marketing focus for John Murray’s and Sceptre’s authors and customers."

Spackman will take on his new position in January 2009, reporting to Hodder group sales director Lucy Hale.

Hachette John Murray Sceptre Catherine Neilan James Spackman

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