Effective today, Helen McAleer has been appointed to the newly created position of chief global development officer for UK-based publisher The Walker Books Group and MD of Walker Productions.

In her new role as chief global development officer, McAleer, who joined Walker Books in 2006 as UK MD, will continue to report to Walker Group MD Karen Lotz.

She will head up the global team responsible for executing the strategy, forecasts and delivery for the three Walker Group companies (UK, US, and Aus/NZ) and their properties and products. She will also supervise all global licensed and tie-in publishing for the three companies.

Using skills and experience in digital publishing, McAleer founded Walker Productions in 2007 to develop Walker-owned content for other media platforms.

With McAleer moving into her new position, Lotz will take on the role of interim UK MD and will continue as MD of Walker Group, as well as president and publisher of Candlewick Press.