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W&N's Samson steps down after 18 years at Orion
Weidenfeld & Nicolson’s chairman and non-fiction publisher Alan Samson is stepping down from his role, after 18 years at Orion.
Described by Orion as a "publisher of cultural icons and sporting legends", Samson has worked with Dame Julie Andrews, Arsène Wenger, Sir Trevor McDonald, John McEnroe, Roy Keane, Eric Idle, Bettany Hughes, Dame Julie Walters, Dame Helen Mirren and Sir Sean Connery, among others. He is also known for publishing volumes such as Tina Brown’s Vanity Fair Diaries and Dame Joan Collins’ upcoming My Unapologetic Diaries, as well as diaries from Sir Roy Strong and Sir Michael Palin.
Orion m.d. Katie Espiner said of him: “Alan is a true publishing legend and a real class act. His impact on Orion over the past 18 years has been immense and we all owe him a huge debt of gratitude for the work he has done here, leaving W&N with a rich roster of stars and icons. We wish him the best for the next chapter of his life.”
Samson said: “It was 18 years ago to the day that I joined the Orion Publishing Group. I shall miss my wonderful W&N authors and Orion colleagues, with whom I have shared many exciting experiences. Katie has led the company to its current status as Publisher of the Year at the British Book Awards, and this seems an appropriate moment to bow out gracefully.”
His last working day was on Friday (6th August) and his future plans have not been revealed. W&N will be recruiting a senior publisher to strengthen the imprint’s serious non-fiction list.
Samson can be contacted on alansamson77@gmail.com
