Nihar Malaviya appointed permanent c.e.o. of Penguin Random House

Nihar Malaviya has been named permanent c.e.o. of Penguin Random House (PRH).

Malaviya was appointed interim chief executive at the start of 2023 following Markus Dohle’s departure in December 2022 after PRH’s failed bid for Simon & Schuster.

Bertelsmann chairman and chief executive Thomas Rabe said of the appointment: “In Nihar Malaviya, the right leader is at the helm of Penguin Random House at the right time. Nihar has proven exactly this over the past nine months, and I am delighted that he is now taking over responsibility for Penguin Random House on a permanent basis.

"As interim c.e.o., Nihar has set an important strategic course. Most importantly, he has transformed the structures at Penguin Random House so that the publishers and publishing groups can work more creatively and entrepreneurially. I am confident that he will continue to develop the group with great vigour. I look forward to continuing to work with him as c.e.o. of Penguin Random House and on the GMC [Group Management Committee].”

In August PRH reported 9% revenue growth in the first half of 2023. Last week Malaviya wrote to US staff encouraging them to use the office “more frequently” and collaboratively. 

Prior to his appointment as interim c.e.o. of PRH on 1st January 2023, Malaviya had served as president and chief operating officer of PRH US since 2014. Bertelsmann’s announcement states that “as leader of the Penguin Random House Global Executive Committee, Malaviya is focused on elevating the publishing independence and creative autonomy of the company’s imprints and driving the creation of competitive advantages that position the company for growth".

Malaviya began his career at Bertelsmann in 2001 as a participant in the Bertelsmann Entrepreneurs programme. In 2003, he moved within the group to Random House, taking on a number of leadership positions. Malaviya also serves on the board of directors of the Association of American Publishers and Yale University Press.