A proven executive with 25 years in the technology and public sector markets, Linda most recently served as a Corporate Vice President at Microsoft, heading the company’s $8 billion Worldwide Public Sector business. In that role, she has led a global team of nearly 2,000 professionals in more than 100 countries in providing innovative technology and programs to customer organizations in the education, government, and healthcare sectors.
"The board sought a CEO with proven executive experience, the ability to deliver financial results, and a deep familiarity with the technology and education space. Linda is the perfect fit,” said Lawrence K. Fish, Chairman of the Board.
“I am proud to join Houghton Mifflin Harcourt as President and CEO,” said Zecher. “I have a passion for education and have worked in the space from a technology perspective throughout my career. I look forward to combining HMH’s rich content and leadership position in the market with technology innovations in education to advance teacher and classroom capabilities around the globe.”
Prior to joining Microsoft in 2003, Zecher held a variety of roles with several technology market leaders. She joined PeopleSoft as the ninth employee in the role of Vice President of Sales and Marketing. Under her leadership, PeopleSoft's revenues grew significantly, resulting in a successful Initial Public Offering (IPO). She later joined Oracle as Senior Vice President with responsibility for Oracle's Application Suite in Public Sector, Higher Education, Healthcare, Telecommunications, Financial Services and Utilities markets. Upon leaving Oracle, Zecher was named CEO of Evolve Corp., a publicly traded company, where she held that position until successfully managing the company's sale.
Based at Houghton Mifflin Harcourt’s Boston headquarters, Linda will start on Sept. 19. Michael Muldowney, who has served as Interim CEO, will resume his duties as CFO.
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.