Digital publisher Dan Franklin to leave PRH

Digital publisher Dan Franklin is leaving Penguin Random House UK on 14th July, with his role made redundant.

PRH UK said the decision was taken because digital expertise had become integrated throughout the business, meaning a "central" digital publisher role is "no longer needed".

Franklin joined Random House in 2011 as digital editor with responsibility for creating direct-to-digital publishing, prior to which he was digital editor at Canongate. He was promoted to digital publisher first for Random House and then for Penguin Random House, credited in helping its publishing divisions to "realise their digital publishing ambitions" as well as commissioning his own projects.

Franklin has been deeply involved in many of company’s most pioneering digital projects, including Richard Dawkins’ The Magic of Reality app, Black Crown, the award-winning Night Circus campaign, My Independent Bookshop, the Brain Shots series and Storycuts programme and, most recently, the launch of James Patterson’s Bookshots platform and STRATA in partnership with Lex and Editions at Play.

Hannah Telfer, group director consumer and digital development, PRH UK, said: “Digital expertise is now part of the fabric of Penguin Random House with teams throughout the business experimenting with new formats and platforms. We have therefore taken the decision that a central digital publisher role is no longer needed and, as such, Dan will be leaving the business. 

“I have no doubt that Dan's incredible talent, skills and ability will see him succeed in the next role he chooses. Dan is collegiate, supportive and smart. He has been a real pleasure to work with and will be missed by us all.

“Our digital development team remains fundamental to delivering our digital projects and to the even greater focus we are giving to developing the digital marketing capabilities and platforms that will capture the attention of readers, underpin the discovery of our authors and drive the purchase of their books.”

Franklin told The Bookseller he would be taking some time out with his family and plotting his next move. He can be reached at danfranklin1982@gmail.com.