Thomas Nelson has announced the hiring of Stuart Bitting as executive vice president and chief financial officer, effective Dec. 3.

Bitting will succeed Joe Powers, who has held the position since 1979. Powers will remain with the company as executive vice president, strategic development until his retirement on July 2009, Nelson officials said.

With Bitting's "rich financial background, strategic mindset and competitive nature," Thomas Nelson President and CEO Michael Hyatt sees him as "the perfect executive to direct Nelson's financial objectives through this period of dynamic growth."

Bitting brings more than 20 years of diversified financial experience to Nelson, most recently serving as chief financial officer of David Weekley Homes, one of the largest private homebuilders nationwide.

In his new role, Powers will help Bitting in his transition, focus on mergers and acquisitions and oversee several special projects. He will continue to report directly to Hyatt.

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