Derek Freeman has decided to retire from his role as chairman of Bonnier Publishing.
Freeman joined the company in 2006 as a consultant and became a board member in 2009, working closely with former group CEO Richard Johnson.
Freeman began his career in book publishing in the mid-seventies and, since then, has held a number of senior board positions. He led a successful management buyout in 1998 from Reed Elsevier to form the Octopus Publishing Group, which he sold to Hachette Livre in October 2001. He remained with Hachette until 2005.
During his 12 years with Bonnier Publishing, Freeman has played a significant role in the group’s acquisition strategy and taken on specific tasks in the US, Australia and more recently, value-driven publisher Igloobooks.
Derek Freeman said: “It’s been a fascinating challenge to have been part of a team that has grown Bonnier Publishing into the business it is today and help create an exciting environment for people to work in. This is my second retirement now – I have made many friends in the business whom I shall miss but wish the business every success for the future.”
Jim Zetterlund, Acting Group CEO, Bonnier Publishing said: “Derek has played a key role in growing and shaping Bonnier Publishing into the business it is today and I’d like to thank him for his significant contribution.”
Jim Zetterlund will replace Derek Freeman as chairman with immediate effect.
