The Bookseller.com

28th August 2008

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Forbes Watson made permanent at Pan

12.06.08 Benedicte Page

Anthony Forbes Watson has been appointed permanent managing director of Pan Macmillan UK. Forbes Watson, who was c.e.o. of Penguin UK from 1996 to 2005, joined Pan as interim m.d. on 1st May after the departure of previous m.d. David North in April.

Macmillan said the permanent appointment had been made following a "highly successful" period as interim manager. Forbes Watson reports directly to c.e.o. Annette Thomas, and is also an executive director of Macmillan.

Thomas described him as "uniquely qualified" to build on Pan Macmillan's strong foundations, saying he brought "terrific energy, passion and enthusiasm to ensure the best service for our authors and to drive the business forward."

Forbes Watson said he was looking forward to leading Pan Macmillan forward at a "tough and exciting" time for the industry, adding: "There is so much opportunity to grasp out there and I'm looking forward immensely to working with the team here to make the most of the company's unique personality and market position, to the benefit of our authors and customers."

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