John Duff has decided to retire after 23 as publisher of Perigee Books, leaving at the end of the month. Penguin Publishing Group president Madeline McIntosh writes to staff, “He will be missed not only for his accomplishments on behalf of the business, but also as a warm and generous mentor to so many. I know you will join me in thanking him for everything he has done for our books, our authors, and for Penguin.” She adds in a separate memo, “John himself is irreplaceable, but he has brought his characteristic careful attention to helping plan a smooth transition for his team, and for their books and authors.”
Once Duff retires, Perigee will merge with Tarcher Books in a newly combined Tarcher Perigee imprint. Current Tarcher publisher Joel Fotinos will serve as publisher of the new line. The editorial teams will merge, with director of backlist and reissues Mitch Horowitz, and editorial directors Sara Carder and Marian Lizzi all reporting to Fotinos. Executive director, marketing and publicity Brianna Yamashita continues to report Fotinos, and “all other members of Tarcher and Perigee are continuing with the new combined entity.” As McIntosh notes, “This alignment extends and expands their longstanding operational unity.”