As Chief Marketing Officer, Dragoon will lead HMH's global marketing shared services and product marketing, as well as its brand and web strategies. Dragoon's primary mission is to lead a strategy, plan and process that allow HMH to further leverage its assets in new consumer markets worldwide.
“I'm very excited to join a historic and storied brand and contribute to our mission of changing people's lives by fostering passionate, curious learners,” said Dragoon. “I look forward to exploring new and exciting ways to assure that HMH’s award-winning content and educational solutions take advantage of the technical innovation and platforms available today and tomorrow.”
Dragoon spent seven of the last 10 years as Chief Marketing Officer and Channel Chief of global software provider Novell, where he was recruited to build and lead its Marketing and Partner teams. Dragoon spearheaded the successful development and communication of Novell’s long-term marketing strategy, brand, value proposition and market positioning, transforming the business from a networking company into a global leader in management services.
Over the last three decades, Dragoon has also overseen the marketing, venture financing and product development efforts of leading companies like Art Technology Group (ATG), Internet Capital Group (ICG) and IBM, earning a global reputation for building and executing successful operations through marketing excellence, operational leadership and business acumen.
“I am very happy to have John on board as a member of our executive team,” said Zecher. “His experience and proven success in the technology sector will be instrumental to expanding our presence into new markets as we continue to nurture learning by innovating and diversifying our offerings throughout the world.”
Dragoon sits on the board of the Massachusetts Technology Leadership Council, Open Invention Network, and Union Street Brand Packaging. Dragoon earned his MBA from Cornell University and his Bachelor's from Union College. He is married with two children.
About Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
With education products and services used by 57 million students throughout all 50 U.S. states and 120 countries, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt is a global education and learning company. The world’s largest provider of materials for pre-K–12 learning, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt is leading the way with innovative solutions and approaches to the challenges facing education today. Through curricula excellence coupled with technology innovations and professional services, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt collaborates with school districts, administrators, teachers, parents and students, providing interactive, results-driven learning solutions. Its Educational Consulting Services group works to increase student achievement in underperforming schools by developing, implementing and supporting education transformation through sustained district partnerships. With origins dating back to 1832, the Company also publishes an extensive line of reference works and award-winning literature for adults and young readers. For more information, visit www.hmhco.com.