Contact: Tara Powers, 616-233-0500

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo., Nov. 12 /Christian Newswire/ -- IBS-STL Global is pleased to announce that Doug Lockhart has been appointed President/CEO of its North American operations. Lockhart will replace David Passman, who will retire early in 2009. Lockhart joins IBS-STL on January 1, 2009 following one year as Vice President of Communications and External Affairs for the Hope Network, a Grand Rapids based Christian human services organization. Lockhart previously served on the leadership team at Zondervan, the world's largest Christian publisher, for five years, most recently as President and CEO.

IBS-STL Global President/CEO Keith Danby said, "This is truly a special time in the history of our ministry. I am delighted that we have been able to attract someone of the caliber of Doug Lockhart, someone who I have known for more than five years and had the privilege of working with during his time at Zondervan. I am excited about what he brings to IBS-STL North America and believe he is God's person to take us to the next stage of our development."

Danby continued: "Words cannot express my appreciation and gratitude to David Passman for his massive contribution to our organization. He leaves big shoes to fill. He navigated us through the waters of our recent merger as one of the most skilled leaders I've ever served with. He will be very hard to replace, but I can't think of a better person for this role than Doug Lockhart."

"I am truly honored to be joining IBS-STL at this time in their history," said Lockhart. "I believe IBS-STL is uniquely positioned to have staggering global impact for the cause of Christ."

Lockhart will oversee IBS-STL's North American Distribution, Publishing, Outreach, Development and Administrative divisions housed in Johnson City, TN and Colorado Springs, CO.

Retiring North American President and CEO David Passman added: "I've admired Doug's humility and determination as a leader for quite some time. I rest easy placing the reins in his capable hands."

Scott Bolinder, President of Global Publishing

In addition to Lockhart's appoint, IBS-STL also announced that Scott Bolinder has been appointed President of IBS-STL Global Publishing. Bolinder joins IBS-STL following more than 20 years with Christian publisher Zondervan as their Executive Vice President and Publisher. Prior to his time with Zondervan, Bolinder served with Christianity Today, Inc., a leading international Christian magazine and media company.

"Scott is one of the most respected Christian publishers in the industry," said Danby. "His proven work with some of America's leading authors including Rick Warren, Bill Hybels, Philip Yancey, John Ortberg, Karen Kingsbury and Lee Strobel makes him uniquely qualified to lead our global publishing efforts.

"In addition, Scott is one of the main catalysts for the commercial success of the New International Version and getting it in the hands of more than 400 million people worldwide," Danby continued. "His passion for publishing God's Word has already had eternal impact, and we look forward to that legacy continuing with IBS-STL."

"IBS-STL's global vision for publishing is remarkable," said Bolinder. "I can't think of a more compelling opportunity than this to provide the Bible and Christian material for people around the world. I'm honored and humbled by this opportunity."

Danby added: "I have worked with Scott for almost 20 years and I consider him an incredibly gifted person who blends his commercial expertise with his passion for evangelism and discipleship. This is a perfect combination for our ministry."

Steve Johnson, VP Communication and New Media

IBS-STL also announced the appointment of Steve Johnson to the new role of VP of Communication and New Media. Johnson, a veteran of IBS and of numerous leadership positions within the organization, moves into this strategic role as the ministry prepares to refine its message and branding following the merger and celebrates its 200th Anniversary.

Danby said, "Steve Johnson is a proven and trusted leader within our organization, and I am delighted that he will be responsible for these hugely important roles. As we move into probably the most important stage of our history, I'm delighted to have someone who understands our past, shares our vision for the future, and has the leadership to carry our message to our staff, partners, donors and the people we serve."

"I'm thrilled with how our leadership team is coming together as we blend our strong talent within the organization with the best people from our industry," Danby concluded. "With the recent appointment of Ben Omollo to lead Africa, and now to have Doug and Scott joining the ministry and Steve leading this new initiative, our leadership team is poised for amazing impact globally."

About IBS-STL
IBS-STL Global is one of the largest Bible and Christian literature ministries worldwide, translating the Bible into languages of 1 million or more speakers and distributing Christian resources to engage people with the life-transforming message of Jesus Christ.

It is the translation sponsor and copyright holder of the New International Version® (NIV) of the Bible, the world's most widely read contemporary English translation. IBS-STL also holds the copyrights to the Today's New International Version® (TNIV), Nueva Versión Internacional® (NVI), and 45 international Bible translations. For more information on IBS-STL Global, visit www.ibs.org.