In her new role, McAleer will lead a new, global team responsible for shaping the strategy and delivery for all three Walker Group companies (U.K., U.S. and Australia/New Zealand), as well as their properties and products. This will involve the development, exploitation, marketing and sale of auxiliary media rights.
McAleer will also supervise all licensed and tie-in publishing for the three companies globally.
“This new division for the Walker Group opens up tremendously exciting opportunities for our books, authors, and illustrators worldwide. I am thrilled that the American and Australian lists will now be able to benefit as the U.K. list has done from Helen’s top-of-the-industry expertise,” says Karen Lotz, managing director, Walker Group. “She brings a 360-degree approach to the translation of books into other forms of media. Helen is passionate about reaching children through all platforms, and we look forward to seeing where she will take us.”
McAleer joined Walker Books in London in 2006 as the U.K. managing director.
In her time with the company she has overseen the development of the digital publishing strategy and has remained committed to building new partnerships and growth opportunities for the business.
To that end, she founded Walker Productions in 2007 to develop Walker-owned content for other media platforms, making Walker U.K. a uniquely structured publishing company able to deliver IP to new audiences and new platforms.
“It is with great excitement that I embark on my new role within the Walker Group,” says McAleer. “As the industry continues to evolve it’s vital that we focus on diversifying the business beyond traditional publishing models and I plan to make sure that the many quality properties on the Walker list worldwide benefit from all the new opportunities opening up to us.