Perminder Mann, CEO of Simon &Schuster UK and International, speaks with Porter Anderson in the opening 2025 Publshing Perspectives Forum Executive Talk. Image: Publishing Perspectives, Johannes Minkus
By Talita Facchini | @talitafacchinii
‘Time to Give Visibility to the Work Being Done Internally’
Perminder Mann assumed the role of CEO of Simon & Schuster UK and International in May this year, following Ian Chapman’s departure. Before that, she spent 15 years at Bonnier Books UK, where she helped reshape the company—becoming a prominent woman CEOs in world publishing.
Speaking as the opening personality featured in the 2025 Publishing Perspectives Forum Executive Talk on Wednesday (October 15) at the 77th Frankfurter Buchmesse, Mann shared her leadership vision, goals for Simon & Schuster UK, and the parallels she sees between her new company and the Sweden-based Bonnier Group.
“I was at a point in my life<” Mann said, “where I thought I was going to slow down. But my instinct told me this was the start of a new chapter.
“There are so many parallels between the two businesses—both have great cultures and great people.
“The difference was that Simon & Schuster has this extraordinary global heritage, an iconic backlist, and a platform ready to be revitalized and re-energized for the next generation. And I thought to myself: I really want to be part of that story.”
From the start of her talk, Mann emphasized what she considers the true foundation of any publishing house: its people.
“I personally believe our business is about people,” she said. “It’s about the relationships between authors and the great people who work for you. We do a brilliant job of celebrating our books, but we must also celebrate us.”
When she arrived at Simon & Schuster UK, she found, she said, exactly what she had hoped for—“great people and a great culture”—but also a company that wasn’t as vocal about its successes as it could be.
“There were so many great things happening, but we never shouted about them. I felt it was time to give visibility to the work being done internally.”
A collaborative and yet decisive leader—as she describes herself—Mann believes in co-creation and shared decision-making.
“When I need to make a decision,” she saied, “I love to co-create, consult, and involve everyone who will be impacted. But once we’ve made the decision, I’m laser-focused on getting it done.”
In addition to her business vision, Mann has championed policies around diversity, inclusion, and flexible a working structure. For her, creating an environment in which people can balance personal and professional responsibilities is as important as publishing high-quality books.
“The office is not just a physical space; it’s a place for creativity, interaction, and learning—designed to support everyone, from individual work to team collaboration.”
‘It’s Inspiring To See the Sector Unite’
At the Publishing Perspectives Forum in the Frankfurt Studio, Hall 4.0 at Frankfureter Buchmesse. Image: Publishing Perspectives, Johannes Minkus
Beyond her internal focus at work, Mann is actively involved in industry initiatives.
“I love to co-create, consult, and involve everyone who will be impacted. But once we’ve made the decision, I’m laser-focused on getting it done.”Perminder Mann
As former president of the Publishers Association, she helped launch the new “National Year of Reading 2026,” a campaign highlighting the importance of access to books and libraries in the United Kingdom.
“Having access to the right books can be transformative,” she said. “It’s inspiring to see the sector unite with educators and government to support a year dedicated to reading.”
When the conversation turned to artificial intelligence, again this year one of the most discussed topics at Buchmesse, Mann’s perspective balanced caution and opportunity.
She acknowledged that recent copyright disputes have left the industry nervous and distrustful, but said she sees real potential for AI to improve both sustainability and well-being.
“I think that’s where AI can really come in,” she said, “to take over repetitive tasks or help us make smarter decisions about print runs. It can make us more sustainable and more productive, allowing us to focus on the creative roles that make this industry what it is.
“But we need to be transparent. There needs to be a balance.”
During the 50-minute conversation, Mann’s message was consistent and unmistakable: behind every great book is a great team—and she intends to make sure that team is seen, heard, and celebrated.
Perminder Mann, CEO of Simon &Schuster UK and International, in the opening 2025 Publshing Perspectives Forum Executive Talk. Image: Johannes Minkus
More from Publishing Perspectives on Frankfurter Buchmesse, its events and people, is here.
Our Publishing Perspectives 2025 Show Magazine has been released and is being read throughout the trade show in its print edition.
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