Macdonald "brings more than 30 years of experience and business leadership to this role," said Brian Murray, president and CEO of parent company HarperCollins, which made the announcement yesterday. "His extensive experience in the Christian retail market as well as sales, operations and management, coupled with his steady demeanor and his strong faith make him the ideal leader for Zondervan."

Serving as interim president since Girkins' departure in March, Macdonald served as acting general manager of Zondervan's The City online church community unit since last December. He was formerly president of Lemstone Christian Stores, renamed Insight Retail Group (IRG) in 2007. That same year Macdonald was appointed to the board of CBA, and IRG was acquired by the Parable Group, after which Macdonald departed.

"I have long held Zondervan in high regard, and my time as interim president over the past two months has affirmed my belief that this is a great company to be part of," Macdonald said.

Girkins was a newcomer to the industry when she was appointed president and CEO of the second-largest Christian publishing company in January 2008.

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