Former Doubleday Broadway publisher and then publisher-at-large for Random House Inc. Steve Rubin will take over as president and publisher of Henry Holt on November 2, reporting to Macmillan ceo John Sargent. Dan Farley, who has run Holt since early 2008, will focus exclusively on his other job as president and publisher of the recently-formed Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group, also still reporting to Sargent.
Sargent says in the announcement: “I have long admired Steve and what he has accomplished at Doubleday. He is a rare publishing talent. With Holt’s long and prestigious history and Steve’s remarkable taste and track record of success in both the literary and commercial sides of the business, I look forward to a prosperous future for Holt. We are very enthusiastic about the future of the trade book business, and the addition of Steve Rubin will allow us to significantly expand the Macmillan portfolio.”
Rubin adds: “Throughout my career, I have always strived to publish those exceptional books that bridge the gap between commerce and literature. I believe that Holt is the perfect place to do this, given that its sister companies are the distinguished Farrar Straus and the powerhouse St. Martin’s Press, I can’t wait to work more directly with books and authors in developing a tight, powerful, focused list. I am also eager to partner with some of the most talented people in the industry, many of whom are dear friends.”
Dan Farley comments: “While my time at Holt has been greatly rewarding, I look forward to being able to devote my full energies and attention to the remarkable opportunities we have at the Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group. Steve inherits a superb staff of talented and dedicated people at Holt. I look forward to working with him here at Macmillan.”