Markus Dohle to Replace Olson at Random

By Jim Milliot -- Publishers Weekly, 5/20/2008 7:45:00 AM

Random House made it official this morning, naming Markus Dohle, head of Bertelsmann's printing operation,  to succeed Peter Olson as chairman of Random House's worldwide operations. The announcement was released to the staff in a memo this morning from Bertelsmann chairman Hartmut Ostrowski. Rumors about the possible departure of Olson first surfaced at the London Book Fair and gained momentum two weeks ago when the New York Times reported that Olson was likely to step down within a matter of weeks. In this morning's announcement, Olson said he will pursue an academic career. The changes will take place May 31. Dohle will be based in New York.

For full details of the changing of the guard at Random, check the regular edition of PW Daily later today.

To see Peter Olson's departure letter, click here.