Guideposts has announced the hiring of Jonathan Merkh, former publisher of the Nelson Books imprint at Thomas Nelson. Merkh has been named vice president of the company's book publishing division, Guideposts Books, launched in 2006.

Guideposts President and CEO Richard Hopple said the addition of Merkh “represents a significant commitment by Guideposts to our already growing book publishing program. His talent and experience can help us grow this important business to another level entirely.”

During his four years at Nelson, Merkh helped the company diversify its publishing programs, published 16 New York Times best-sellers, spun off three new publishing divisions and created a fourth imprint, Guideposts officials said.

Merkh, who resigned from Nelson in November, will be based at Guideposts' Nashville office.