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CEO Perminder Mann appointed Honorary Visiting Professor for Publishing Studies at City, University of London

Bonnier Books UK and City, University of London, today announce the appointment of Perminder Mann to the role of Honorary Visiting Professor for Publishing Studies. 

The role was confirmed by Professor Sir Anthony Finkelstein, President and Chair of Senate of City, University of London, and will take effect from January 2024 for a period of three years. Mann succeeds Faber’s Executive Chair Stephen Page. 

Mann was approached for the role on the basis of her experiences and achievements within the publishing industry, and her track-record advocating for greater inclusion, representation and sustainability initiatives throughout the sector – values closely allied with City’s own as it drives forward professional practice and learning across the creative industries. In the position, Mann will serve as a role model for the university’s publishing students, providing rich insights into the commercial publishing landscape, engaging with students, supporting research programmes, and offering expert advice on policy matters. 

Perminder Mann said: “It’s a huge honour to have been appointed to the role of Honorary Visiting Professor at City – a university with a long-standing reputation for innovation and transformative world-class learning across the creative sectors. I am so looking forward to beginning my tenure and to speaking directly with the publishing leaders of tomorrow. It’s an opportunity to impart the lessons and experiences I have gained over almost three decades in this wonderful, ever-evolving industry, and a chance in turn to be inspired by the energy and insights of the next generation.”

Dr Patrick Brindle, Programme Director, MA Publishing Programmes, City, University of London said: “I am really excited about having the opportunity to work with Perminder over the next three years. Perminder is going to be a wonderful source of inspiration and knowledge to the publishing students. Her advice and experience will also help the publishing academics at City provide masters’ and bachelors ‘ courses in publishing that are really closely aligned to the industry’s fast-changing needs. Her work as a leading advocate of change in the creative industries around issues of sustainability and equality, diversity and inclusion makes her a perfect fit for City.”

Appointed CEO of Bonnier Books UK in 2017, Mann has spearheaded the evolution of Bonnier Books UK into an agile, modern and sustainable publisher. Mann has built a reputation as an open and progressive leader, fostering a culture of inclusion, and creating a purpose-driven work environment where people are empowered to do their best work, and given the trust, time and flexibility to deliver. 

A publishing innovator, Mann co-founded the highly-successful non-fiction imprint Blink Publishing, launching the multi-bestselling Alfie Deyes – and becoming the very first imprint to collaborate with a vlogger in the process. She has led Bonnier Books UK as it has transformed its publishing with a host of bestsellers and award wins, and is a regular presence on the annual Bookseller 150. Mann is Vice President of the Publishers Association and Chair of Arts Emergency, the award-winning mentoring charity and support network.