Monday 11 April 2005
News for release
Penguin New Zealand to farewell Managing Director
After more than 30 years with Penguin New Zealand, Tony Harkins, Managing Director for the past 17 years, has announced
that he will retire at the end of 2005.
Tony has made this decision after reflecting upon his wish to spend more time with his family, to travel and relax on
land and sea, balanced by his ability to leave Penguin when it has never been in stronger health.
Tony joined Penguin New Zealand in 1974 as Chief Accountant and became General Manager in 1988. Long in charge of
finance and distribution, this elevation saw Tony take on responsibility for publishing, sales and marketing as he
prepared Penguin for an exciting future. His accomplishments are many, but he is quick to pay tribute to the
multi-talented team that sees Penguin and Book Distributors New Zealand so well placed for continued success in the
years ahead.
Margaret Thompson will succeed Tony Harkins as Managing Director of Penguin New Zealand.
Currently General Manager of The Text Publishing Company in Melbourne, Margaret was previously Sales and Marketing
Director of Penguin New Zealand and before that General Sales Manager of Penguin Australia. She has worked with Penguin
for more than fifteen years and is well known to the team at Penguin, its authors and agencies, and to many New Zealand
booksellers.
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