Rachel Hastings Appointed Divisional VP of Editorial at IVP
InterVarsity Press promotes Rachel Hastings to lead editorial operations and serve as associate publisher.
1Leadership Succession at IVP
InterVarsity Press has officially appointed Rachel Hastings as the new divisional vice president of editorial and associate publisher. Hastings, who originally joined the organization in 2021, previously served as the associate editorial director. She now becomes the fifth person to hold this specific editorial leadership position in the company's eighty-year history.
2Transition of John Boyd
John Boyd, the outgoing vice president of editorial, will transition into the role of executive editor. Boyd has dedicated fifteen years of service to InterVarsity Press. His move allows the company to retain his extensive institutional knowledge while shifting focus toward his new editorial responsibilities within the established organizational structure.
3Internal Promotion Strategy
The appointment of Hastings reflects a deliberate internal promotion strategy rather than an external search. Having worked closely with authors, agents, and colleagues over the past five years, Hastings is viewed as a natural successor. John Boyd expressed high confidence in her ability to lead the company's future editorial direction effectively.
4Editorial Philosophy and Standards
Greg Jao, president and publisher of IVP, highlighted Hastings' unique ability to balance academic and trade publishing requirements. Her work is characterized by the company's core trifecta: being biblically grounded, theologically informed, and culturally engaged. These standards remain the primary benchmark for all new acquisitions and editorial projects under her leadership.
5Historical Context of Role
The position of divisional vice president of editorial is a significant role within the eighty-year history of InterVarsity Press. By appointing only the fifth person to this post, the organization demonstrates a preference for long-term stability and consistent editorial vision. This continuity is essential for maintaining the publisher's specific market identity.
6Operational Impact of Changes
The shift in leadership roles is expected to maintain the current trajectory of the publishing house. By moving Boyd to executive editor, the firm ensures that high-level editorial expertise remains embedded in the production process. Hastings will now oversee the broader strategic vision while managing the editorial team's daily output and operations.
7Market Positioning and Engagement
InterVarsity Press continues to focus on books that bridge the gap between rigorous theology and contemporary cultural issues. Hastings has been instrumental in shaping this specific content strategy during her tenure as associate editorial director. Her promotion signals that the publisher intends to double down on this successful, niche-focused editorial approach.
8Future Outlook for Publishing
As Hastings assumes her new responsibilities, the industry will observe how she navigates the evolving landscape of religious and academic publishing. With a solid foundation established by her predecessors, the focus remains on sustaining the company's reputation for intellectual depth. Her leadership will define the next chapter of the publisher's long-standing mission.
Original article: Publishers Weekly — Rachel Hastings Appointed Divisional VP of Editorial at IVP