Thames & Hudson promotes Sophy Thompson to c.e.o. role

Thames & Hudson (T&H) has promoted publishing director Sophy Thompson to be its new c.e.o. and publisher.

She will take up the new role on 12th April following the departure of current chief Rolf Grisebach.

Thompson has been publishing director since 2013, having previously worked in senior management at the Paris offices of Assouline and Skira Flammarion. She has worked on the publishing programmes of both the British Museum and V&A alongside the T&H trade and college lists. The company said she had cultivated and strengthened bonds with people in international publishing and the arts during that time.

“We are delighted that someone so steeped in the business of high-quality illustrated publishing has agreed to take on this challenging new role,” chairman Thomas Neurath said.

Executive chairman Neil Palfreyman added: “Sophy came to us after many years’ experience of publishing for an international market. During her time at Thames & Hudson she has skilfully overseen the development of an exciting and eclectic list of new titles while also demonstrating a deep understanding of the commercial aspects of our business. In every way, Sophy is the perfect candidate to lead Thames & Hudson in the years ahead.”

Thompson said it was a “privilege” to get the role and move the company forward. She said: “The past five years have allowed me to gauge the quality and depth of the programme and sales network built up by Thames & Hudson over several decades.”