The Bookseller.com

7th September 2008

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Forbes Watson joins Pan Macmillan

09.04.08 Benedicte Page

Anthony Forbes Watson is to join Pan Macmillan on 1st May as managing director on an interim basis. The news follows the announcement yesterday that David North is to leave the company this Friday (11th April).

Annette Thomas, chief executive of Macmillan, said the short-term appointment "will create a stable and smooth transition period until a permanent appointment is made."

Forbes Watson added: "Pan Macmillan is a trade publishing heavyweight with a successful and distinguished publishing heritage. I'm delighted to have the opportunity to work closely with team there and with Annette, at an exciting time in the company's development."

Forbes Watson left his position as c.e.o. of Penguin UK in February 2005 after what the publisher called "genuine differences of view on the way forward". He had spent 15 years at Penguin, with the final eight as chief executive.

Later in 2005 he worked for Hachette as a consultant, advising the group on its growth strategy, with particular reference to trade and illustrate publishing.

In 2006 he joined with Waterstone's founder Tim Waterstone's in a failed bid for Waterstone's. Forbes Watson was to run the bookseller if the bid proved successful.

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