Nelson Books, an imprint of Thomas Nelson, has announced the hiring of Webb Younce as associate publisher and executive editor, effective Oct. 21. Younce is filling the role previously held by Bryan Norman on the Nelson Books team. 

Younce comes to the imprint with more than 15 years of publishing experience. He began his career at Alfred A. Knopf and has worked for a number of New York houses since then, including Random House and Houghton Mifflin.  After two years in Berlin serving as editorial director of English language and international literature at German publishing house Suhrkamp Verlag, Younce most recently worked with Free Press at Simon & Schuster.

“The unique skill set and extensive publishing acumen that Webb brings to Nelson Books will truly enhance our team’s ability to acquire and produce the top nonfiction titles in the industry,” said Brian Hampton, senior vice president and publisher. “We are excited to have him aboard.”

Younce’s editorial resume boasts a host of award-winning books across a variety of genres, including history, journalism, religion, memoir and politics.  Formerly the director of Tolkien Projects at Houghton Mifflin, his acquisition list features a number of best-selling authors, including Colum McCann and Jonathan Miles.

Younce and his wife, Ginny Smith Younce, plan to relocate to Nashville.