As Women’s History Month approaches, one publishing leader is standing out for reshaping how books reach audiences far beyond the printed page. Kristin Kiser, president and publisher of the Workman and Running Press Group at Hachette Book Group, is helping redefine what a modern publishing company can be.
Under Kiser’s leadership, the Workman and Running Press Group has evolved into a multi-format creative hub that blends traditional publishing with consumer products, collectibles and interactive learning tools. The group oversees several well-known imprints, including Workman Publishing, Artisan Books and Running Press, which together produce bestselling titles and a wide range of lifestyle products.
Among the group’s most recognizable books are cultural staples such as What to Expect When You’re Expecting and You Are a Badass. But today, the brand’s influence stretches far beyond bookstores.
The Workman and Running Press Group has built a thriving business around merchandise that connects readers with stories and ideas in new ways. Its offerings include journals, puzzles, calendars, gift items and miniature kits that have become pop-culture collectibles.
Some of its most popular items include novelty gifts like The Screaming Goat and Wacky Waving Inflatable Tube Guy, along with interactive and themed products such as the Harry Potter Light and Sound Wand Set and the John Derian Paper Goods: Mushrooms 1,000-Piece Puzzle. The company also produces calendars and lifestyle products tied to popular brands and experiences, including the New York Times Cooking Page-A-Day Calendar 2026.
The strategy reflects a broader shift in the publishing industry as companies look for new ways to engage readers and diversify revenue streams. In an increasingly digital world, Kiser has leaned into the enduring appeal of tactile, physical experiences.
From puzzles and collectible kits to children’s educational tools like flash cards and workbooks, the Workman and Running Press Group focuses on products that combine entertainment with learning and creativity. Many of these items are designed to encourage hands-on interaction, offering an alternative to screen-based entertainment.
Industry observers say that approach reflects a growing recognition that readers and consumers want experiences that blend storytelling, creativity and play.
While books remain at the heart of the company’s mission, Kiser’s strategy has broadened the definition of what publishing can deliver. Today the group functions not just as a book publisher, but as a curator of ideas, objects and experiences that connect with audiences of all ages.
As Women’s History Month highlights influential leaders across industries, Kiser’s work illustrates how innovation within publishing can expand both the cultural impact of books and the ways people interact with them.