PRH US pays tribute to Seyfried after death, aged 36

Penguin Random House US has paid tribute to 36-year-old vice-president Erika Seyfried, who died over the weekend. 

Seyfried was based in New York and had worked for the publisher for more than 13 years. She was found dead in a river in Vermont, New England, on 29th August after being reported missing while walking her dog during a vacation. A police spokesperson said her death is believed to be accidental.

A spokesperson for Penguin Random House told The Bookseller: “We are devastated by the loss of our colleague Erika Seyfried, 36, who died in Vermont on Sunday. Erika was Penguin Random House’s vice-president, director, digital strategy and consumer engagement, who established herself as a marketing leader through the innovative digital campaigns she developed for our books.  

“Her reader-centric approach to consumers, her social media prowess, and her tireless nurturing of or authors earned her reverence throughout our company and our industry. With her forward-looking, inclusive approach to every team and project she led, Erika was the embodiment of what we all hope for in a colleague, and friend.” 

The publisher added: “Our thoughts are with Erika’s family, loved ones, and our colleagues who worked with her and adored her.”