The company says that by providing the business with a better and deeper understanding of consumer behavior and attitudes towards books, authors, book discovery and purchase, he will support and guide product and business development activities, as well as inform the creation of its direct-to-consumer and marketing capabilities. In the new role, his remit covers all divisions of HarperCollins globally.

Restivo-Alessi said: “David’s extensive experience in consumer insights makes him a valuable asset to HarperCollins. As digital becomes a greater part of our business, we have to better understand our consumers. Having David join us in this consumer insight role will enable us to better extend the reach of our authors from both a marketing and sales perspective.”

Boyle has held numerous senior strategy positions. He joins HarperCollins from EMI, where he was SVP of insight for EMI Music, overseeing the team that delivers insight to all parts of the business in more than 25 countries. He was also director of insight at zeebox, which is using rich consumer surveys and detailed user information to drive product development and product / relationship personalisation. Additionally, he worked in politics for the Labour Party in London and with the Democrats in the US where he helped build data and analysis infrastructure that powered the 2008 election of President Obama.