Baker & Taylor, a distributor of digital and physical books, has announced that its board of directors has named long time executive George Coe as the company's new Chief Executive Officer and President.
Coe brings 34 years of extensive experience leading and transitioning companies to becoming leaders within their industries. These companies have served public, K-12, academic, corporate and law libraries worldwide. Since 2000, he has served as President of Baker & Taylor's Library & Education division. Prior to Baker & Taylor, he served as Vice President and General Manager of Brodart Books, Library Automation and K-12 software management divisions.
Coe will succeed Arnie Wight, who retired January 15 after a distinguished 34-year career with the company. Wight will assume the role of Non-Executive Chairman of the Board and will also work as a consultant for Baker & Taylor to support the leadership transition and the execution of strategic plans.
Coe has been instrumental in developing many of Baker & Taylor's important programs, such as digital media and econtent platform delivery services, data analytics and outsourcing capabilities in collection development and technical services. He has helped direct many of the company's strategic initiatives, including industry partnerships and acquisitions that have contributed to Baker & Taylor's growth as the leading supplier.
