Nicholas ‘Nicky’ Byam Shaw, ceo and chairman of Macmillan for 30 years, died on September 25. He joined Macmillan in 1964 as an international sales executive, and his work eventually spanned divisions including Pan Macmillan, Macmillan Publishers US, Macmillan Education, Macmillan Learning and Nature.
Stefan von Holtzbrinck, ceo of Holtzbrinck Publishing Group writes, “Nicky will be remembered as a rare leader who blended a deep intellectual curiosity with sharp business insight. His leadership at Macmillan was not just about financial success but about fostering a culture of excellence and human connection, one that continues to define the company today. Macmillan’s reputation for quality and innovation stands as a testament to his vision. As someone who had the privilege of learning from him, I can personally attest to the profound impact he had on my career and on countless others. His legacy in the publishing world remains a lasting influence, and he will be deeply missed.”