Tributes paid to Bloomsbury USA president Adrienne Vaughan

Tributes have been paid to Adrienne Vaughan, the president of Bloomsbury Publishing USA, who died in a boat collision while on holiday in Italy on Thursday 3rd August.

In a statement posted to its website, Bloomsbury UK confirmed that Vaughan, who was 45 years old, had died as a result of injuries suffered from the collision, which her husband and two children survived.

Nigel Newton, chief executive of Bloomsbury, said in the statement: “Our hearts go out to Adrienne’s husband and children, parents, family and friends. Bloomsbury is doing everything possible to provide the support they need on the ground in Naples and in the US.

"The loss of Adrienne is a terrible blow. Since she was appointed president of Bloomsbury USA three years ago, America has grown to become our biggest market.

"Adrienne was a natural business leader with a great future ahead of her. She was deeply loved by colleagues due to her combination of great personal warmth with a fierce determination to make the business succeed and grow. Her business instincts were outstanding and she loved authors, readers and her colleagues equally.

"Losing Adrienne is devastating for everyone at Bloomsbury. We thank all who have sent their thoughts, prayers and condolences to us and will convey them to Adrienne’s family.”

Vaughan joined Bloomsbury in 2020 and was elected to the board of directors of the Association of American Publishers (AAP) this year. Before that, she had worked at Scholastic, Disney Publishing Worldwide, Little Pim, Oxford University Press, Disney Book Group and Trustbridge Global Media.

AAP board chair Julia Reidhead, chairman and president of W W Norton, and Maria A Pallante, AAP president and c.e.o., said in a joint statement: “Adrienne Vaughan was a leader of dazzling talent and infectious passion and had a deep commitment to authors and readers. She was elected to the AAP Board of Directors this year and made an immediate positive impact, speaking as a featured leader at our annual member meeting and participating with purpose on our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee.

"Most of all she was an extraordinary human being, and those of us who had the opportunity to work with her will be forever fortunate. We send our love and condolences to all those who are in shock and mourning at this tragic loss, most particularly her husband and two children, whom she spoke of frequently with great pride.”

Press reports indicate that the captain of the speedboat on which Vaughan was travelling is facing an investigation into suspected manslaughter.