About us
A shared passion
In 1967, Emerald Publishing launched with the aim to change lives through learning. More than 50 years on, we still live by that ethos. This means helping to make a difference, so that little-by-little, those in academia and practice can work together and make a positive difference in the real world. Our independence and family values make us nimble and fuels our passion – that’s how real impact starts; one idea, one connection, and one informed decision at a time. It’s through small steps that real change happens.
While our roots are in publishing, and bringing research to life, we are a group of businesses, all united in a common purpose. Whatever we do, for Emerald Publishing or Emerald Works, in our UK offices or one of our global offices, we are driven by a desire to have a positive impact on society.
Our company structure
As a family-owned business, we are independent in our thinking, nimble and care about the communities we serve and are members of. Led by Vicky Williams, Group CEO, the Group has evolved into a dynamic, digital-first business that employs some 300 people worldwide, united by a common purpose, to share knowledge and help learning thrive.
EMERALD PUBLISHING
Bringing research to life
What we do
Emerald Publishing is one of the world's leading digital-first publishers, commissioning, curating and showcasing research that can bring about real change. We work with thousands of universities and business schools across the world, to share knowledge and provoke the kind of debate that leads to positive change.
What sets us apart
We go beyond the realms of traditional publishers and see ourselves as a change agent, championing fresh thinking and bringing together communities, so their research can effect change in the real world. We celebrate curious minds who want to make a difference, from pioneering new ways to share research to creating innovative digital tools to help our customers discover it, we always strive to go that little bit further.
EMERALD WORKS
Award-winning on-demand learning and development content, tools and courses
What we do
Emerald Works is an award-winning digital learning provider focused on workplace performance support, coaching and custom e-learning solutions. We pursue our mission through our internationally recognized and respected product and service brand, Mind Tools.
Mind Tools: Empowering people to thrive at work
We believe competence and confidence leads to healthy professional relationships, inspiring cultures and thriving working communities. Growth, at work and in life, is what we’re passionate about and work hard to support. This is our purpose, it’s why we exist above and beyond making a profit. And it drives each of us in our everyday working practice.
Our brand story
The world of work has changed forever, placing new demands on the way we interact, communicate, work and learn. For 25 years Mind Tools has been adapting to help people step up to meet everyday workplace challenges with confidence. Today, our brand tells a story of empowerment. Of helping people thrive. We do this through a focus on our user, their experience and interaction with our content and product.
Mind Tools content is created in-house by our expert team, designed to give ambitious people the confidence to step up and thrive in today’s ever-changing workplaces. Focused on our learners needs whether engaging at home or in the workplace, we have product plans for self-funded individuals and for businesses big and small – who believe in empowering their staff to perform, manage and lead.
What sets us apart
Mind Tools content is created in-house by our expert team, designed to give ambitious people the confidence to step up and thrive in today’s ever-changing workplaces.
Focused on our learners needs whether engaging at home or in the workplace, we have product plans for self-funded individuals and for businesses big and small – who believe in empowering their staff to perform, manage and lead
About Cambridge Information Group
In 2022, we were acquired by Cambridge Information Group LLC, a family-owned, mission led investment firm with deep experience in the higher education industry. CIG has a long heritage of acquiring and building businesses that have a positive impact on society and its acquisition of Emerald will allow us to build on the legacy created by Dr Keith Howard to drive positive change.
Our leadership team
Vicky Williams, Chief Executive Officer
I’ve worked in academic publishing for over 20 years, with C-suite responsibility for a range of business areas in that time – Business Development, M&A, Marketing, Digital, and HR. I’ve been Chief Executive for Emerald since 2018, and am proud to be part of a business that innovates, takes risks, responds to its communities, and really values its people.
As part of both giving back and learning from our communities, I'm an International Advisory Board member for the University of Bradford, and an Advisory Board member for the University of Lincoln’s Impact Literacy Institute. I also work within the local community on Bradford’s Economic Recovery Board.
Both in and out of work, I'm a keen advocate for gender diversity, having launched Emerald’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion programme in 2016, and speak widely on this topic at global forums and events. I love the theatre and music, but you'll still find me at my happiest browsing for hours in a bookshop!
Simon Cox, Chief Financial Officer
I joined Emerald in 2013. Prior to this, I qualified as a chartered accountant with Deloitte, specialising in corporate finance whilst working in the UK and Asia-Pacific. Subsequently I worked for Barclays plc as a Corporate Director, managing a diverse team with over £600m of assets under management, and came to know Emerald as a client, when I first got to know the business.
I have direct responsibility for functions including Data, Group Finance, Revenue Operations & Workplace & Services. My focus at Emerald is to provide the resources and governance to support Emerald’s ambitious plans, and to guide the execution of our growth strategy. I was closely involved in Emerald’s journey to join the Cambridge Information Group family of businesses, and I look forward to the new opportunities this offers Emerald and its committed team of colleagues.
Outside of work, I mostly deliver and collect my children to/ from various clubs and events! I also enjoy mountain biking, watching cricket and rugby, and travelling when time allows!
Tony Roche, Chief Officer: Publishing & Strategic Relationships
I joined Emerald Publishing in 2012, and subsequently led a range of business functions including content acquisition and management, product and business innovation. Most recently, I led the business as CEO prior to and following its acquisition by Cambridge Information Group. I'm delighted to take up the new role of Chief Officer: Publishing & Strategic Relationships, with responsibilities spanning all aspects of publishing, brand, open research, public policy, strategic relationships, and as part of the M&A team.
As one of the first signatories of the UN’s SDG Publisher Compact, Emerald is committed to a range of actions to help realise the SDGs and create positive societal impact, and this is the focus of my contribution to Emerald and our communities.
Prior to joining Emerald, I worked across a range of editorial, product, brand, and publishing roles with Elsevier over a 16 year period, culminating in Publishing Director for Business and Management Sciences.
Outside of the business, my wife Sarah and I enjoy all that comes with having two teenagers at home, as well as two energetic Field Spaniels!
John Yates, CEO, Emerald Works
I joined Emerald Works as CEO in 2020, having previously served on the City & Guild’s Group Board for 10 years in a variety of roles, most recently as Managing Director of Corporate Learning.
I believe in the transformative power of learning on lives, careers and companies and for the past two decades have focused on the engagement and impact benefits of online delivery. Since joining Emerald Works, I have focussed on unifying the products and services under the MindTools brand and on the development of strategies to deliver against the company visions: 'To become the World’s #1 Workplace Performance Coach.'
Emma Tregenza, Chief Legal & People Officer
I joined Emerald in 2016, initially as General Counsel, having previously held senior roles within the legal teams at Paramount Pictures and Amazon.
I believe strongly that businesses should make a positive social impact and, since 2018, have led the development of Emerald’s responsible business strategy, including our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion, and to the advancement of the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
In 2022, my role expanded further to include responsibility for all aspects of people and culture, and I now lead the legal and people teams at Emerald. It's a cliché perhaps, but our people are our biggest asset and, as we navigate the social and environmental challenges around us, it has never been more important to create a workplace in which everyone is supported and empowered.