Publishing CEOs on Growth, Diversity, and the Future of Books at Frankfurt Book Fair

At the Frankfurt Book Fair, CEOs from top publishing companies shared their visions on growth, diversity, and the future of publishing. In one session, Hachette Book Group and Hachette UK CEO David Shelley, along with Publishing Perspectives editor-in-chief Porter Anderson, explored Shelley’s approach to aligning Hachette’s U.S. and U.K. divisions, particularly in areas like supply chain efficiency and world English deals. Shelley emphasized the importance of diversity, both in terms of company culture and the books they publish. Reflecting on his own experiences as a queer individual in 1980s Britain, Shelley noted the impact of diverse books and the need for publishing to represent a variety of voices. He acknowledged that Hachette still has work to do to ensure senior-level diversity aligns more closely with the demographics of its readers.

Shelley also discussed strategic growth, including how acquisitions play a role in expanding Hachette’s market reach and expertise. Citing Bookouture as an example, he explained that acquiring companies with unique skills—such as Bookouture’s digital marketing savvy—not only adds value but also allows Hachette to bring fresh perspectives into the company. Shelley shared that his goal isn’t just to acquire companies for the sake of expansion, but to integrate businesses that contribute new knowledge and skills to the overall Hachette ecosystem.

Meanwhile, in another talk, Simon & Schuster CEO Jonathan Karp and KKR Media Chair Richard Sarnoff elaborated on KKR’s recent acquisition of Simon & Schuster. Karp emphasized KKR’s willingness to reinvest in the company to fuel international growth and innovation. Rather than focusing on cost-cutting, KKR aims to add value through expansion and innovative publishing formats. Sarnoff highlighted that Simon & Schuster is keen on making acquisitions that will enhance its global reach, echoing a similar strategy to Hachette’s, where learning and adding value are prioritized over mere scaling. He added that KKR’s focus on retaining company autonomy allows individual imprints within Simon & Schuster to maintain their distinct voices.

Both CEOs highlighted the importance of nurturing new audiences while respecting the heritage of their brands. Karp, ever the optimist about the potential for growth under KKR, quipped, “This is capitalism, people!” reinforcing the belief that targeted investments and strategic acquisitions can drive substantial value and elevate their companies in a competitive publishing landscape.

These sessions offered a glimpse into how leading publishing executives envision the industry’s future—one that balances profitability with a commitment to diverse and inclusive storytelling, technological advancements, and global growth.

For more information on the Frankfurt Book Fair discussions, visit Publishing Perspectives and other publishing news sites.