Hyperion, Disney’s book-publishing arm, is bringing in Barbara Jones, deputy editor of the women’s magazine More, as executive editor. The hire comes just under a month after Hyperion lost its editor-in-chief, Will Schwalbe, who resigned after 11 years at the company to pursue internet-related projects.
Upon his exit, Mr. Schwalbe suggested in an interview with Media Mob that Hyperion’s editorial director, Will Balliett, would take on additional duties (he said he didn’t know anything about who would replace him at the helm, but noted that Mr. Balliett had recently been doing “all kinds of work around the house”). That prediction is bolstered by today’s announcement, according to which Ms. Jones–who will join the Hyperion team in March– will report directly to Mr. Balliett as she acquires and edits books and works to "develop branded publishing ventures both within and outside the business unit."
Ms. Jones is the second person with a magazine background in recent memory to be brought into a high-profile publishing job. About a month ago, Simon & Schuster hired Time-lifer Priscilla Painton as its editor-in-chief.
