Full Breakdown
Greg Greeley Appointed CEO of Simon & Schuster
3/9/2026, 10:53:28 PM
Leadership Transition at Simon & Schuster
Simon & Schuster has appointed Greg Greeley as its new CEO, effective immediately. Greeley succeeds Jonathan Karp, who announced his departure in late August 2023 to lead his own imprint, Simon Six. This leadership change comes as Simon & Schuster prepares to celebrate its centennial in 2024, a significant milestone for the publisher known for its roster of bestselling authors, including Stephen King and Colleen Hoover.
Greg Greeley's Background and Experience
Greeley, 62, brings extensive experience from his nearly two-decade tenure at Amazon, where he held various leadership roles. He was instrumental in several key initiatives, including the launch of Amazon Prime and the development of Amazon's print-on-demand services through CreateSpace. His career at Amazon also included overseeing the acquisition of the Book Depository and the rollout of digital programs in Europe. After leaving Amazon in 2018, Greeley served as president of Airbnb's Homes division and later as president and COO of the biotechnology startup Opentrons. Most recently, he has acted as an investor and advisor to various technology and consumer companies.
Industry Context and Challenges
Greeley's appointment comes at a time of significant transformation in the publishing industry, particularly regarding the integration of artificial intelligence in book publishing. His business-oriented background contrasts with Karp's editorial experience, raising questions about how Greeley's approach will differ in addressing the evolving landscape of publishing.
Official Statements & Responses
Richard Sarnoff, chairman of Simon & Schuster's board of directors, expressed confidence in Greeley's leadership, stating, "His depth of expertise and avid love of books give us the confidence that he is the right CEO to take Simon & Schuster forward." Karp, who Greeley replaces, described him as "a transformative CEO and the best person to take Simon & Schuster to the next level while ensuring we keep books and their authors at the heart of everything we do."
Criticism & Opposition
Initial reactions from industry agents and members have been mixed, with some expressing relief that the search for a new CEO has concluded, while others remain curious about how Greeley's Amazon background will influence his leadership style. This skepticism reflects a broader concern regarding the balance between traditional publishing values and the technological advancements that Greeley is expected to bring.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Greg Greeley is a talented and strategic leader with wide-ranging experience managing enterprises across physical and digital markets,” — Richard Sarnoff, Chairman of Simon & Schuster
- “ He continued: "The opportunity to support authors’ careers and help their stories and ideas travel widely and take root across formats, markets, and generations is deeply compelling.” — Greg Greeley, CEO of Simon & Schuster
As Simon & Schuster embarks on its next chapter under Greeley's leadership, the industry will be closely watching how he navigates the challenges and opportunities ahead.
