University of British Columbia is pleased to announce the appointment of Douglas Hildebrand as the new director of UBC Press, effective November 18, 2024.

Douglas Hildebrand arrives at UBC Press having spent the last seven years as director of University of Alberta Press. Prior to that, between 2000 and 2017, he worked in various positions at University of Toronto Press, including Acquisitions Editor (Social Sciences) and Sales and Marketing Manager. A long-time contributor to the work of publishing associations, Hildebrand is currently serving on the Boards of Directors of the Association of University Presses, Association of Canadian Publishers, and eBOUND Canada. He holds degrees from Concordia University and York University.

Current Press director Melissa Pitts, who retires at the end of October following thirteen years in the position, comments “I am so very glad Doug will be taking the helm at UBC Press. Our paths have crossed often over the last two decades and I know Doug to be a gifted and insightful colleague, deeply committed to the mission of scholarly publishing and attuned to the many possibilities the coming years will offer. Doug’s vision and energy will be well met by the remarkable talent of the Press team and the transformative scholarship of the Press’s authors. Together they will bring many exciting contributions to publishing in Canada and to the realm of scholarly communications more broadly.”

In anticipation of his new role, Hildebrand remarks “The work we do in university press publishing is essential to the academy. I have always admired UBC Press’s strong commitment to scholarly excellence, its superb production standards, and its collegial and highly accomplished staff. I am excited to join the team."

Matthew Evenden, former UBC Associate Vice-President Research and Innovation, who led the search committee for the new director, remarks “This is an exciting moment of transition for the Press, and I’m delighted that Doug will assume this role.  His wide-ranging experience, leadership ability and vision for the Press will ensure a strong next chapter.”

ABOUT UBC PRESS

UBC Press produces books integral to Canada’s cultural, political, and social fabric and is widely touted as the country’s pre-eminent social science publisher. Established in 1971 and now offering over 1500 titles, the Press publishes sophisticated and intellectually vibrant works by authors whose diverse voices, ideas, and research pushes the boundaries of scholarly discourse and makes a vital contribution to the democratic exchange of ideas.

UBC Press is situated within the traditional, unceded territory of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) nation. We are grateful to work on this land, which has been stewarded by Musqueam’s ancestors for thousands of years.