MAIN NEWS HEADLINES
Aug 22 – Aug 29, 2010 Edition Penguin president, AAP trade committee
August 24, 2010, New York, NY: The Association of American Publishers announced today that Susan Petersen Kennedy, President of Penguin Group (USA) will take over the chair of the AAP Trade Publishers Executive Committee. Comprising senior trade publishing executives, the Committee guides AAPs programs and activities of particular relevance to its trade publishing members. The Committees primary objective will be to ensure that consumers, the media, and community leaders understand that the book, in all of its manifestations, is alive and well; that millions of readers are inspired, educated, and entertained by books every year; and that publishers add value to books at every step of the publication process: from editorial to design to marketing and publicity to distribution.
Announcing the appointment, AAP President and CEO Tom Allen said: With the advent of new technologies, books are being read in multiple formats and social media allow readers and authors to share their experiences with new audiences. Publishers provide readers with quality content and ensure that publishing expertise is behind every title. The book market is undergoing a seismic transformation, and challenges and opportunities lie ahead. This is an exciting time to be a book publisher. Were delighted that Susan is bringing her legendary energy and talent to AAP on the industrys behalf.
Susan Petersen Kennedy commented: This is an extremely exciting time for publishers. The changes our industry is experiencing present us with new challenges, of course, but also new possibilities. Im looking forward to this opportunity to work with the AAP Executive Committee on navigating the new terrain of our business as it continues to evolve and grow.
Susan Petersen Kennedy has been President of the Penguin Group (USA) since 2001. She is the former Chairman and Publisher of Viking Penguin and Publisher of Riverhead, and a former Executive Vice President of Random House.
The Association of American Publishers is the national trade organization of the U.S. book publishing industry. AAPs members include most of the major commercial book publishers in the United States, as well as smaller and non-profit publishers, university presses, and scholarly societies. AAP members publish hardcover and paperback books in every field, educational materials for the elementary, secondary, postsecondary, and professional markets, computer software, and electronic products and services. The protection of intellectual property rights in all media, the defense of the freedom to read and the freedom to publish at home and abroad, and the promotion of reading and literacy are among the Associations highest priorities.
