Brian Napack, president and CEO of John Wiley, has been re-elected chairman of the Association of American Publishers’ board for the 2021-2022 term. Napack, who had been vice chairman since the beginning of 2020, was elected chair last September following John Sargent’s departure from Macmillan and subsequent resignation from the AAP position.
Other industry members elected to the executive committee include Hachette Book Group CEO Michael Pietsch, who was elected vice chairman. Pietsch has been on the AAP board since 2013.
Jeremy North, managing director for books at Taylor & Francis, was re-elected treasurer. Tim Bozik, president of global product and North American courseware for Pearson and AAP chairman from 2019-2020, is the fourth executive committee member.
“A vibrant, independent publishing industry plays an essential role in our democracy, and this year, more than most, it will play critical role in the healing of our nation,” said Napack in a statement. “It is a privilege to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with AAP and its member companies to pursue our critical mission, one that enables discovery, learning, creative expression and, overall, the advancement of society worldwide.”
Pietsch said he was looking forward to working with the AAP to promote copyright protection, free expression, and fair markets.
“AAP’s board has long been home to some of the most accomplished and talented executives in publishing,” said AAP’s president and CEO Maria A. Pallante in a statement. “We are grateful to Brian Napack and Michael Pietsch for accepting these leadership posts in service to the industry, as AAP continues to advocate for laws and policies that incentivize the lawful publication of books, research journals, and education solutions worldwide.
