Livingston joins from EMI Music where she was vice-president of global consumer insight. She takes up the newly created position on 20 May as the focal point for all Hachette’s insight-related activity.

Group commercial director Richard Kitson said: “The role of consumer insight director is a pivotal one and Louisa’s appointment is hugely important to the group. It is our intention to have the best insight and intelligence to support every aspect of our publishing, helping us and our authors to reach new readers.”