Supporting HarperCollins with a data team transformation

With a history spanning 200 years, HarperCollins UK have offices nationwide where they publish circa 1,500 books a year across a range of genres. Their customers span all ages and interests, so it’s incredibly important to understand each nuanced segment of their market. 

When they needed to re-structure their analytics function, the Director of Analytics knew they could rely on our specialist data recruitment consultant, Tommaso Lucentini.  

In 2024, HarperCollins undertook a full restructuring of the analytics team. The search was confidential, so HarperCollins needed a trusted partner with a specialist network in analytics and the ability to run a discreet but effective process. 

The team build began with a Head of Analytics role. HarperCollins’ Director of Analytics needed a Head of who could act as a trusted right hand, bringing commercial sharpness, marketing alignment, and strong stakeholder influence. The bar was high: the previous Head of Analytics had partnered with the hiring manager for over a decade, so the successor needed a rare blend of technical depth, commercial instinct, and leadership. 

Tommaso ran a focused headhunting campaign, identifying senior candidates across commercial analytics, growth, and marketing-focused roles. The role was externally positioned in line with market expectations, and shortlisted candidates were assessed not only for technical expertise, but also strategic fit and leadership potential. 

The successful candidate was a high-impact analytics professional with experience at top-tier brands and a creative edge, having also published books in his spare time. He met all the key criteria and aligned closely with their vision for the team. 

Throughout the process, we added value by: 

• Reframing and marketing the brief to attract the right talent 
• Advising on compensation and positioning to stay competitive 
• Running a confidential search with targeted outreach

The new Head of Analytics will be joining HarperCollins shortly. His appointment completes the rebuild of the core analytics team, a significant milestone in HarperCollins’ data maturity journey. 

The team is now set up and ready to focus on their newly defined goals, with a leadership structure that brings both strategic oversight and executional power. This marks a key turning point for the business as they deepen their investment in analytics-driven growth.