Former longtime CEO of Simon & Schuster from 1975 to 1994 Richard E. Snyder, 90, died at home in Los Angeles on June 6. During his tenure at S&S, the company grew to become the largest book publisher in the world for a time. His death was reported by his son, Matthew Snyder.
The publisher said in a statement: “Dick Snyder led Simon & Schuster through some of its most storied and eventful years. He built Simon & Schuster into one of the largest and most influential publishing companies in the world, known for headline-making nonfiction, bestselling fiction and timeless classics. He leaves a legacy of enduring books and a can-do spirit that pervades Simon & Schuster to this day.”
The AP calls him, “a visionary and imperious executive at Simon & Schuster who presided over the publisher’s exponential rise during the second half of the 20th century and helped define an era of growing corporate power.”
In poor health recently, Snyder drew attention for a May lawsuit against his former wife Terresa Liu, accusing her of mistreatment and of “siphon[ing] at least $3 million” from his bank account without his knowledge or consent.