Jonathan Karp Steps Down as Simon & Schuster CEO to Launch New Imprint, Simon Six
Jonathan Karp, the seasoned publishing executive who has helmed Simon & Schuster as its CEO since 2020, is stepping down from his leadership post to embrace a more direct role in book creation. He will remain with the venerable 100-year-old publisher, however, launching and leading a new imprint named Simon Six, dedicated to publishing a select portfolio of six books annually.
A Return to the Heart of Publishing
Karp, 61, expressed his enduring passion for the literary craft in a statement released Tuesday. “My north star has always been our authors and their books, and I have decided it’s time for me to return to the part of publishing that animates me the most,” he stated. He affirmed his commitment as a “devoted shareholder” and promised support for his successor and the entire Simon & Schuster team. A search for his replacement is currently underway, and Karp will continue in his CEO capacity until a new leader is appointed.
An Eventful Tenure as CEO
His four-year tenure as president and CEO was nothing short of eventful. Karp took the reins suddenly in 2020 following the death of his predecessor, Carolyn Reidy, and immediately found himself guiding the publisher through the unprecedented challenges of the global pandemic. Beyond operational hurdles, he navigated a period of intense uncertainty regarding the company’s ownership.
- Paramount Global’s ambitious plan to sell Simon & Schuster to rival giant Penguin Random House was ultimately blocked in 2022 by a federal judge, who sided with the Department of Justice’s antitrust concerns.
- A year later, in 2023, Simon & Schuster found its new home with private equity firm KKR in a significant transaction valued at $1.62 billion.
The Genesis of Simon Six: A Proven Model
The creation of Simon Six marks a return to a successful model Karp pioneered earlier in his career. In 2005, he founded Twelve, an imprint at Hachette Book Group known for its highly curated approach, releasing just one book a month. This strategy yielded major bestsellers, including Senator Ted Kennedy’s memoir “True Compass” and Christopher Hitchens’ provocative “God Is Not Great.” With Simon & Schuster boasting a roster of celebrated authors such as Bob Woodward, Stephen King, and Colleen Hoover, Karp’s new imprint is poised to continue attracting high-profile literary talent.
Continued Hands-On Editorial Collaboration
Throughout his time as CEO, Karp continued to work hands-on with some of the industry’s most prominent authors. Notably, he collaborated with former Vice President Kamala Harris on her upcoming campaign memoir, “107 Days,” and with his long-time favorite author, John Irving, on his new novel, “Queen Esther.”
Crafting a “Good Ending”
Reflecting on his career transition in a telephone interview with The Associated Press, Karp offered a characteristically literary sentiment: “I loved the challenge of being CEO, but there had to be an end point. I think what every editor really wants, more than anything else, is a good ending.” This move allows Karp to craft his own compelling narrative, refocusing on the essence of storytelling itself.
