Mann appointed professor at City University

Bonnier Books UK c.e.o. Perminder Mann has been appointed to the role of honorary visiting professor for publishing studies at City University.  

The role was confirmed by professor Anthony Finkelstein, president and chair of senate of City, University of London, and will take effect from this month for a period of three years. Mann succeeds Faber’s executive chair Stephen Page.  

A Bonnier Books UK spokesperson said: “Mann was approached for the role on the basis of her experiences and achievements within the publishing industry, and her track-record advocating for greater inclusion, representation and sustainability initiatives throughout the sector – values closely allied with City’s own as it drives forward professional practice and learning across the creative industries.

“In the position, Mann will serve as a role model for the university’s publishing students, providing rich insights into the commercial publishing landscape, engaging with students, supporting research programmes, and offering expert advice on policy matters.”  

Mann said: “It’s a huge honour to have been appointed to the role of honorary visiting professor at City – a university with a long-standing reputation for innovation and transformative world-class learning across the creative sectors.  

“I am looking forward to beginning my tenure and to speaking directly with the publishing leaders of tomorrow. It’s an opportunity to impart the lessons and experiences I have gained over almost three decades in this wonderful, ever-evolving industry, and a chance in turn to be inspired by the energy and insights of the next generation.” 

Dr Patrick Brindle, programme director for MA publishing programmes at City, University of London, said: “I am excited about having the opportunity to work with Perminder over the next three years.  

“Perminder is going to be a wonderful source of inspiration and knowledge to the publishing students. Her advice and experience will also help the publishing academics at City provide masters and bachelors courses in publishing that are really closely aligned to the industry’s fast-changing needs.  

“Her work as a leading advocate of change in the creative industries around issues of sustainability and equality, diversity and inclusion makes her a perfect fit for City.”

Appointed c.e.o. of Bonnier Books UK in 2017, Mann co-founded the highly-successful non-fiction imprint Blink Publishing, launching the bestselling Alfie Deyes – and becoming the very first imprint to collaborate with a vlogger in the process.  

She is also vice-president of the Publishers Association and chair of Arts Emergency, the mentoring charity and support network.