Appointment of Arnaud Nourry

Continued differences regarding the best strategy for setting the future course of Lagardere’s book publishing business have prompted a parting of the ways between Arnaud Lagardère and Jean-Louis Lisimachio.

Accordingly, Mr. Lagardère is transferring responsibility for Hachette Livre to Arnaud Nourry, who succeeds Jean-Louis Lisimachio as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.

, joined the Hachette group in 1990 and served as Chairman and CEO of Hachette Livre from 1992 onward.

“Surrounded by a hand-picked, talented team, and supported by great editors and top-notch professionals in every speciality, Hachette Livre made remarkable strides under Jean-Louis Lisimachio’s guidance. The company added market share, expanded internationally, and branched out into new areas (fascicles, for example), becoming the leader in the majority of its businesses. The strategy pursued gave rise to exceptional financial performance, an outstanding achievement by a man whose loyalty to Jean-Luc Lagardère, myself, and the group cannot be lauded enough,” stressed Mr. Lagardère at the time of the changeover.

Prior to his new appointment, Arnaud Nourry served as the Director of Groupe Alexandre Hatier and oversaw the acquisition and subsequent successful merger with Hachette Livre.

“Arnaud Nourry, who shares Hachette Livre’s culture, will continue to rely on the current team so as to maintain continuity of editorial and geographical development. Added Mr. Lagardère. “I have every confidence that all will live up to my aspirations for this new chapter in the exceptional saga of Lagardere book publishing – which is now a core Lagardere SCA business – in the months and years to come.”