(Nashville, Tenn.) Thomas Nelson, Inc. announced today the promotion of Russ Schwartz to the position of Director, Christian Independent Retail Sales. Schwartz will oversee Thomas Nelson’s field and phones sales, Christian retail distributors, and marketing groups. He is replacing Tom Knight who has moved into the role of Senior Vide President of Christian Retail and Ministry Sales.

In his distinguished career, Schwartz has worked in every facet of the Christian retail industry. For the last five years, he has served in Thomas Nelson’s Christian Retail Sales division as a Field Sales Consultant, Regional Sales Manager, Training Manager, Key Account Manager, and most recently as Director of Inside Sales. READ MORE »

(Nashville, Tenn.) Thomas Nelson, Inc. announced today the promotion of Gary Davidson to the position of Senior Vice President and Group Publisher of Thomas Nelson’s Bible Group. Davidson brings over twenty years of experience working with Christian products. He has worked for Thomas Nelson for thirteen years, leading Thomas Nelson’s Christian Retail Sales team for the last eight, and the Ministry Development and Church Direct team for the last two.

“I am confident that Gary is the right person to lead our Bible team,” said Mark Schoenwald, president and chief operating officer of Thomas Nelson. “Gary has a distinguished track record of building strong business units by casting vision, building cohesive teams, executing plans, and anticipating the needs of our customers.” READ MORE »

Christian Retail and Nelson Ministry Direct Sales Teams Integrated
Under the Leadership of Gary Davidson

(Nashville, Tenn.) Thomas Nelson, Inc. announced today that they are joining their two Christian sales divisions under the leadership of Gary Davidson, Senior Vice President of Christian Retail Sales/Ministry Development Group. This move will join the Christian Retail Sales team and the Nelson Ministry and Direct Sales team, the group responsible for selling direct to churches and ministries.

“Over the past few years, we have struggled with how to maximize our impact with churches, ministries, and our Christian retail partners. Although these groups have a common mission and vision they were competing instead of collaborating,” said Michael S. Hyatt, President and CEO. “By aligning their efforts under Gary’s leadership, we hope to increase their productivity and profitability.”

With this move, the name of the ministry arm of the sales division will be change from Nelson Ministry and Nelson Direct to the Ministry Development Group. The new name of the group emphasizes their shift in focus from direct sales to aiding in the development of these ministries as they seek to impact the world with the word of God.
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Rick Shear Promoted To Vice President of Christian Retail Key Account Sales

(Nashville, Tenn.) Thomas Nelson, Inc. announced today the promotion of Rick Shear to the position of Vice President, Christian Retail Key Account Sales. In his new role, Shear will lead the Christian Retail Key Account team and will be responsible for the cultivation and continued growth of this integral sales channel.

Shear began his career at Thomas Nelson over 20 years ago, working as a Field Sales Representative in Kansas. For the last eight years, he has worked in Key Accounts of the Christian Retail Sales division, most recently working as a Key Account Director.

“Over the last several years our Christian retail key accounts have grown significantly. In order to keep the momentum building in these accounts, we need a strong leader who knows their business and can focus solely on their needs,” said Gary Davidson, Senior Vice President of Christian Retail Sales and Nelson Ministries. “Rick’s extensive experience in publishing and retail has given him a wonderful background for this role. His servant leadership style has made him a favorite with customers and colleagues alike.” READ MORE »

(Nashville, Tenn.) Thomas Nelson, Inc. President and CEO Michael S. Hyatt announced today that Joe Powers will retire from his post later this month. Powers, who announced his retirement in July of 2007, served as the company’s Chief Financial Officer until last November when he transitioned into the role of Executive Vice President of Strategic Development. Powers will continue to act as a financial and tax consultant for Thomas Nelson through July of 2009.

“Joe has been a valued member of the Thomas Nelson leadership team for almost forty years,” said Hyatt. “He was instrumental in helping Sam Moore build Thomas Nelson into the world’s largest Christian publishing company. He is an astute businessman, a wise mentor, and a dear friend. He will be greatly missed.” READ MORE »