Cambridge re-positions its education publishing for the global and digital challenge

Cambridge University Press’s Education group has announced two high-level changes that underpin the publisher’s commitment to a global and digital future.

Cambridge’s Education publishing arm has been renamed the International Education Business (IEB) and will now report into the Global Education business, led by its Managing Director Hanri Pieterse.

Claudia Bickford-Smith will become Director of the IEB, while Simon Read takes on the role of Global Digital and Commercial Director.

Bickford-Smith will lead and manage the IEB, while delivering on global targets for Education and contributing to the global strategy and vision for the company. The promotion follows her three successful years in the role of Publishing Manager for Europe Education, during which Bickford-Smith brought out a record number of new publications for the Cambridge International Examinations and International Baccalaureate exams, doubling sales over the past two years for the CIE list and increasing IB sales by 45%. Commenting on her new role, she said:

“It is a privilege to take on this role for Cambridge and I look forward to growing our lists of world-leading education products which are relied on by millions to help them on their learning journey.”

Simon Read will lead on delivering the platforms and standardised workflows required to develop digital product. He also has responsibility for the coordination of global partnerships, identification of potential acquisitions and assisting Cambridge’s various publishing centres to find new channels to market. Read’s previous digital experience, both with Cambridge and formerly with ProQuest, as well as other publishing businesses, will stand him in good stead in this new role which he described as “an exciting role in, for me, the most exciting and increasingly core part of the business – developing our digital capability globally to produce industry-leading digital learning products.”

The move follows the globalisation last year of Cambridge’s product streams. The changes at Cambridge are being led by Peter Phillips who joined in early 2011 in the new role of Chief Operating Officer, charged with re-positioning the publisher for the global, digital era.

Commenting on the changes, Phillips said: "They represent an exciting opportunity for our renowned global education business to continue its solid growth in new areas that are increasingly important to our customers. Digital transformation is a high priority for the business and needs the dedicated focus and attention of a talented leader like Simon. The IEB will benefit from Claudia’s enthusiasm, drive and vision and we look forward to mirroring the outstanding growth she has achieved over the past few years as we publish for new segments and new markets under her leadership.”

The changes take effect from 1 May 2012.

ENDS

Notes to Editors:

About Cambridge University Press’s Education publishing

Cambridge University Press publishes curriculum-based books and software for primary and secondary schools in the UK and for international schools around the world. 

Cambridge is the publisher for Cambridge International Examinations (CIE) IGCSE and A Level qualifications, as well as global leaders in IB Diploma and Shakespeare resources.

Publishing educational materials for around 160 countries, Cambridge works with authors who have extensive knowledge of local education needs and curriculum developments, providing teachers and learners with a high level of targeted expertise.

A team of specialist sales consultants provides customer care and support, with international offices and agents providing local support to customers all over the world.