Simon & Schuster's managing director of adult publishing Suzanne Baboneau to leave company
Simon & Schuster’s managing director of adult publishing Suzanne Baboneau is set to leave the company after 25 years, with her role being made redundant. Baboneau’s departure comes as the publisher announces the reorganisation of its adult publishing division. The publishing directors/publishers of the three core segments, Adult Fiction, Adult Non-Fiction and Literary, along with the design and managing editorial teams, will be reporting directly to Perminder Mann, CEO of Simon & Schuster International. As a result of this reorganisation, the position of managing director of Simon & Schuster UK Adult Publishing will be made redundant.
Baboneau said: "When I joined Simon & Schuster UK 25 years ago, from the safety and security of my editorial desk at Macmillan, it was a step into the unknown. Not for one minute did I regret the decision. I have worked with colleagues at all levels, in the UK, Australia, India and the US, who have taught me so much. I have worked with authors, too numerous to mention here by name, who have enriched my working life every single day. My all-consuming passion for reading and editing has never dimmed, and I have been very fortunate that, even in my managerial role, I have been able to indulge that passion.
"There is one person who I would like to mention by name. It will come as no surprise that this is Ian Chapman, former CEO of Simon & Schuster UK. Over the course of my time here, Ian showed belief in me and unstinting support. He took a chance on me when we started working together at Macmillan in the late 1980s by giving me my first full commissioning role, and he took another chance by bringing me on board at Simon & Schuster UK in June 2000. I am profoundly grateful for the opportunity that I was given by Ian to play a part in shaping the UK company’s success."
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Under Baboneau’s leadership at S&S, the division has delivered "sustained creative and commercial success" – and was awarded consecutive British Book Awards Publisher of the Year wins in 2022 and 2023. In her time, she has had major acquisitions, including Child 44 by Tom Rob Smith and The Wager by David Grann, while guiding teams behind bestsellers from Colleen Hoover, Bob Mortimer and Britney Spears.
Mann said: "Suzanne’s outstanding 25-year tenure at Simon & Schuster – including 12 years leading our adult publishing division – reflects an exceptional contribution to both our company and the wider industry. Throughout her career, Suzanne has demonstrated remarkable vision, editorial excellence and an unwavering commitment to her authors, colleagues and publishing partners. She has shaped some of the most important books, voices and stories of the past two decades, leaving an indelible mark on our publishing programme.
"Suzanne’s legacy is one of excellence, ambition and impact. She leaves with our deepest respect and gratitude for everything she has achieved – and for the way she has led with integrity, passion and purpose throughout."
Jonathan Karp, CEO of Simon & Schuster, said: "Suzanne has been instrumental in building Simon & Schuster UK into the first-rate publisher we are today. We have been the beneficiary of her discerning editorial eye, her leadership, her grace, her collegiality and, most of all, the books she has championed so ardently and so well."
