Random House President Retires

Gina Centrello, president and publisher of the Random House Publishing Group, is retiring from her position after two decades. She will become strategic advisor to the Random House US board, and “will continue to participate actively in the industry through her work supporting Literacy Partners.” She took over the Group in 2003; before that, she was president and publisher of Ballantine starting in 1999.

She told her staff,

This was not a decision I came to lightly. Over the past few years, I’ve spent a lot of time thinking about my future, and when the right moment might be for me to transition to a new way of leading. I’ve come to believe that that moment is now. This decision is, of course, bittersweet. I have truly loved leading Random House, and publishing books that matter and inspire change, books that entertain and thrill, and books that help us to be better people. I have relished watching your growth, as well, and I am excited that a new generation of brilliant publishing leaders and managers—the best in the business, as far as I’m concerned—will continue to thrive and soar in the years to come.

CEO Madeline McIntosh said, “I’ve valued Gina as a friend and colleague for more than two decades, so I’m having a hard time imagining this place without her—and I know I’m not alone in that.” Regarding a replacement, she said, “We can take the time we need, in consultation with members of this executive team, to develop the plan for Gina’s succession. Bill Takes, executive vice president of business strategy, will cover her duties for now.

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