Perminder Mann. Image: Simon & Schuster
By Porter Anderson, Editor-in-Chief | @Porter_Anderson
See also: S&S UK and International CEO Ian Chapman Stepping Down
Mann: ‘A Pivotal and Exciting Moment’
Aday after Monday’s (February 17) announcement of Simon & Shuster UK and International CEO Ian Chapman stepping down in May, the company’s offices in London and New York have followed with the news that Perminder Mann will become CEO of Simon & Schuster International on May 1.
Mann, who has been CEO of Bonnier Books UK since 2017, will also become a member of the Simon & Schuster executive board and will report to CEO Jonathan Karp. She’ll lead Simon & Shuster UK and oversee Simon & Schuster Australia, led by managing director Dan Ruffino, and Simon & Schuster India, to be led by Sanjiv Gupta. Both Dan Ruffino and Sanjiv Gupta will report to Mann.
A fine speaker who has frequently found time to make international publishing conference appearances—such as in the UAE’s Sharjah Publishers Conference—Mann is quoted today, saying, “During my 15 incredible years at Bonnier Books UK, I’ve had the privilege of working alongside some of the most talented teams in publishing, both in the UK and across the wider group.
“When Jonathan Karp offered me the opportunity to join Simon & Schuster at such a pivotal and exciting moment in their journey, it felt like the right time for me to embrace a new challenge.”Perminder Mann, Bonnier Books UK
“Together, we’ve built an industry-leading culture, published an extraordinary range of bestselling books, and grown a dynamic, ambitious business that continues to thrive. I’m immensely proud of everything we have achieved.
“When Jonathan Karp offered me the opportunity to join Simon & Schuster at such a pivotal and exciting moment in their journey, it felt like the right time for me to embrace a new challenge. With the company poised for ambitious growth, I’m deeply honored to play a role in shaping this next chapter.
“Simon & Schuster has a rich publishing heritage, a bold vision for the future, and an unwavering commitment to authors and readers alike.
“I look forward to working with the exceptional team to build on its success and drive even greater opportunities in the years ahead.”
Karp: ‘A Strategic Thinker, an Innovator’
Jonathan Karp
Simon & Schuster CEO Jonathan Carp says, “Perminder is known for being a strategic thinker, an innovator, and a team builder.
“Her vision for Simon & Schuster’s future is exciting and expansive, one with an emphasis on building upon our impressive foundation to make our publishing programs even stronger.”
Mann began her publishing career in the sales departments of Macmillan and Transworld and later established United Kingdom satellite offices for international children’s publishers Hinkler and Phidal before spending time in the toy industry.
She serves as chair of the board of trustees for Arts Emergency, a mentoring charity and support network, and she’s a fellow of the Royal Society of Arts.
Zetterlund: ‘She’ll Be Greatly Missed’
Jim Zetterlund
Jim Zetterlund, chair of Bonnier Books UK and COO-CFO of Bonnier Books internationally, says, “Perminder Mann was an exceptional and innovative leader for Bonnier Books UK, transforming the business and helping to drive it to significant growth.
“She’ll be greatly missed by all of us here and we thank her for everything she has contributed and wish her every success in the future.
“We’ll announce our plans around new leadership for the business very soon, but at this moment want to pay tribute to Perminder and everything she achieved here.”
Currently, Mann serves as an honorary visiting professor at City, University of London, and is the current president of the Publishers Association in the UK, representing the industry to the UK government and internationally.
More from Publishing Perspectives on Simon & Schuster is here, more on Simon & Schuster UK is here, more on Simon & Schuster Australia is here, more on the Indian market is here, and more on the United Kingdom’s market is here.