Ryland Peters & Small owner David Peters dies aged 66

Ryland Peters & Small (RPS) has announced the death of its owner and managing director David Peters, after a year-long battle with cancer at the age of 66.

The independent illustrated publisher said: “His loss leaves a large hole for all those who knew him, and to his colleagues both in the UK and US. With RPS, he has created a great legacy.

“David founded RPS and produced its first list in 1996 with an instant bestseller in Pure Style, the first of many successful books including The Hummingbird Bakery Cookbook. More recently, he was the first UK publisher to enter the air-fryer market with the Air-Fryer Cookbook.

“David enjoyed a long and illustrious career in publishing. He started his career at just 17, working for Hodder & Stoughton as a trainee sales representative in London before rising to become the face of Reed International Books and the managing director of Osprey.”

RPS was started in 1995 by Peters, Anne Ryland and Jacqui Small and in 2006 it acquired CICO Books to become a market-leading lifestyle publishing house. Based in London, it publishes around 100 titles each year. 

The company said: “David’s leadership at the helm of RPS for nearly 30 years is a record that few, if any, can match within the publishing industry.

“Losing David is devastating for everyone at RPS. Throughout his long career, he cultivated long-standing relationships all around the world. We know David will be sorely missed by many. His legacy will be carried on through his loyal staff and partners and through our future publishing list.”

There will be a celebration of life, to be held in the UK, with further details will follow.