Styring to leave Igloo Books

John Styring is stepping down as c.e.o. of Igloo Books, nearly two years after his company was acquired by Bonnier Publishing.

In a statement, Styring said it was the right time to “explore other opportunities”.

“Since founding the business in 2004, it has become the leading mass-market publisher in the UK,” he said. “I’ve really enjoyed my time at the helm and I’m thankful for the support of an incredible team.  The company is in great hands with Bonnier Publishing and I look forward to seeing Bonnier take it from strength to strength in the future.”

He told The Bookseller:  "I feel like both myself and Briony [his wife] have given our life and soul to Igloo. We had a new baby last week and with him coming along and another little one, we both felt that it’s time to try something new."

Richard Johnson, c.e.o. of Bonnier Publishing, added: “Igloo Books is arguably the most successful publishing business of our time. I’ve tremendous respect for John and will be sad to see him go, but he has built a robust and dynamic business with a very capable and expert team around him.

“We have ambitious plans for the future – we’ve developed a strategy with the aim of making Igloo Books the biggest mass-market publisher in the world in the next three years, so my focus right now is finding the right candidate to lead that growth.”

Bonnier Publishing has increased its mass-market revenues by 60% since acquiring Igloo, the company claimed.

Styring set up IglooBooks in 2003, building up the business to turnover of £30m by 2014. The company was acquired by Bonnier in 2014, when Johnson reiterated plans to boost the company’s overall turnover to £100m by 2016. Last month the company achieved that goal when it acquired Weldon Owen US, an illustrated non-fiction publisher, pushing its annual turnover past the £115m mark.

Styring will step down from his role at the end of August. The search for his replacement has already begun, said Bonnier.