Richard Charkin to Chair Thames & Hudson Board

The shareholders of Thames & Hudson Publishing Ltd., London have announced the appointment of Richard Charkin as board chair, effective Jan. 1, 2026.

Charkin has been a publisher and educator since 1972. He previously served as CEO of Macmillan and spent 11 years as the executive director of Bloomsbury Publishing. He has also held senior executive positions at publishers including Oxford University Press and Verlagsgruppe Georg von Holtzbrinck, and was awarded an OBE for his services to publishing and literature in 2024.

“We are very excited to welcome Richard as the new chair of T&H Ltd.—an important milestone in the company’s history that reflects our commitment to innovation whilst remaining true to the values that have shaped us for generations," Johanna Neurath, chair of T&H Ltd., said in a statement. "Richard’s exceptional experience, infectious enthusiasm for publishing, and deep knowledge of the industry will help keep T&H stable and flourishing in years to come.”

Charkin also has extensive experience in the role of the chair both in the U.K. and internationally, including roles at Pan Macmillan, Macmillan Australia, Bloomsbury Australia, and Bloomsbury China’s joint venture with China Youth Press. 

“It will be a joy to work in a family-owned independent publisher with the highest standards of scholarship, design, integrity, and professionalism," Charkin said. "The combination of brilliant books and brilliant publishing is irresistible.”