Michael Pietsch Retires as CEO of Hachette Book Group

Michael Pietsch, CEO of Hachette Book Group, is retiring and will be succeeded by Hachette UK CEO David Shelley.

The head of Hachette Book Group, Michael Pietsch, is retiring as CEO and will be succeeded by Hachette UK CEO David Shelley. Pietsch, who has worked with authors ranging from Keith Richards to Donna Tartt, will serve as chairman of the US publisher starting January 1 of next year.

Pietsch's Accomplishments

"I’m proud of everything that all of us at Hachette Book Group have accomplished in the past decade, in close partnership with our authors — thriving, growing, and reinventing ourselves through complex and challenging times,” Pietsch, 67, said in a statement Tuesday.

During Pietsch's tenure, Hachette Book Group expanded through the acquisition of companies such as Workman Publishing and Hyperion Books. He also oversaw the publication of many successful books, including Keith Richards' "Life," Donna Tartt's "The Goldfinch," and James Patterson's many blockbusters.

Shelley's Appointment

Shelley, who will also remain as UK CEO, said in a statement that "Hachette Book Group publishes some of my favorite authors of all time and it’s hugely exciting to be able to get to know them and work on their books with the talented team in the US. I’d like to pay special tribute to Michael as he has been a key figure for me over the years.”

Richard Kitson, deputy CEO of Hachette UK, will also take on the same role for Hachette Book Group. The announcements were made by the parent company Hachette Livre.

Pietsch's Involvement in the Woody Allen Controversy

In 2020, Hachette announced it would publish Woody Allen’s "Apropos of Nothing.” It soon dropped it after protests by everyone from Hachette employees to Hachette author Ronan Farrow, Allens estranged son, and among those who have alleged Allen sexually assaulted his daughter Dylan Farrow.

Allen, who has denied the allegations, later sold his memoir to Skyhorse Publishing.

Pietsch's retirement marks the end of an era at Hachette Book Group. He will be succeeded by David Shelley, who will face the challenge of continuing to grow the company in a rapidly changing publishing landscape.