GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., August 5, 2008 – Zondervan, a world leader in Christian communications, today announced it has created an all-new position to lead new business strategy and development.  The company has hired Michael Linder, a sales and marketing professional with more than 20 years of experience.

In this new role as senior vice president of strategy and new business development, Linder will be responsible for forming strategic partnerships and identifying and acquiring necessary competencies to help Zondervan expand its reach to more consumers.  He will report to Zondervan’s President and CEO, Moe Girkins, and will serve on the company’s leadership team.   

Linder joins Zondervan from publishing company DP, Inc. where he served as Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer and increased sales nearly 20 percent.  Prior to joining DP, Michael was Vice President of Integrated Sales for Vertis, Inc., a premier provider of targeted advertising and marketing solutions to America's leading retail and consumer services companies.  While there, Michael was a key leader that drove Vertis to be selected as the second most admired marketing company in America by Fortune magazine.

“The Christian publishing industry is in a state of transition.  Changes such as the digitization of content, the increasing reliance on the internet and the growth in viral marketing are requiring new competencies to allow us to continue to engage with new consumers and honor our mission to meet people’s needs,” said Girkins. “Michael has the skills and experience needed to help Zondervan explore untapped opportunities and identify and pursue strategic partnerships that will expand our reach and honor our mission to meet people’s needs.  He will be an invaluable asset to our team and I’m pleased to welcome him on board.”

Linder holds a Bachelor’s of Arts degree from Kutztown State College in Penn. and is active in the community, serving on numerous boards including Boy Scouts of America, Big Brothers/Big Sisters and Silent Observer.  His first day at Zondervan will be August 18, 2008.

“Zondervan has long been a company I’ve respected and admired.  I’m anxious to use the skills I’ve developed throughout my career to contribute to the growth and success of the company, and ultimately impact their mission, which I’m 100 percent aligned with and passionate about,” said Linder.

About Zondervan

Zondervan, a HarperCollins company, is a world leader in Christian communications and the leading Christian publishing brand. For more than 75 years, Zondervan has delivered transformational Christian experiences through general and academic resources by influential leaders and emerging voices, and been honored with more Christian Book Awards than any other publisher. Headquartered in Grand Rapids, Mich., with offices in San Diego, Miami, and London, Zondervan conducts events and publishes its bestselling Bibles, books, audio, video, curriculum, software and digital products through its Zondervan, eZondervan, Zonderkidz, Youth Specialties, Editorial Vida, and National Pastors Convention brands. Zondervan resources are sold worldwide through retail stores, online and by Zondervan ChurchSource, and are translated into nearly 200 languages in more than 60 countries. Visit Zondervan on the Internet at www.zondervan.com.

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