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YoungSuk (YS) Chi, chairman of Elsevier and the Association of American Publishers (AAP), will be presented with London Book Fair’s Lifetime Achievement Award for 2024.
The London Book Fair (LBF) described him as “an international businessman and a global thought leader in the publishing, education, and information solutions industries" adding "YS Chi is a unanimously well-respected figure in the book world”.
As chairman of Elsevier, he works directly with key stakeholders in government, academia and the industry to support scientists, students and health information professionals. In his role as director of corporate affairs for RELX, Elsevier’s parent company, he is responsible for government affairs, corporate communications, and corporate responsibility across all four of the group’s market segments.
LBF added: “Based in London and Washington, Chi travels extensively to engage with scientific research communities, deliver thought leadership on key trends and advise stakeholders, boards, and groups across industries. He is currently chairman of the Association of American Publishers and has served as president of the International Publishers Association. He is also actively involved in numerous educational, artistic, and charitable organizations, including Princeton University, the Korea-US Science Center KUSCO, and the Ban Ki-Moon Foundation.”
He said: “I am humbled, both by those who nominated me and by the panel that selected me for this tremendous honour. Having entered the book industry unknowingly nearly 30 years ago, I have been incredibly fortunate to learn so much from my peers who have embraced both tradition and innovation. It has truly been a privilege to be enriched by their purpose, dedication and professional expertise. Being a part of this industry’s development has been a remarkable experience, and I’m certain that publishing will continue to thrive with both talent and passion.”
Gareth Rapley, LBF director, said: “From his remarkable work ethic to his impressive stamina across so many fields, in particular his contributions to copyright, his focus on sustainability and his dedication to the industry, YS is an example of one of the most inspiring individuals working in publishing right now.”
David Roche, non-executive chair of the LBF advisory board and chair of the judging panel for the award, said: “This year’s high-quality shortlist was filled with worthy candidates but one submission stood out above the others. Chi is the embodiment of everything that this award looks to recognise. He is a true internationalist, creating networks and connecting people across continents. He has both a determination to influence leading global figures and a passion to mentor those at the beginning of their careers, to create a better future.”
Brian Murray, c.e.o. of HarperCollins, said: “Over the last three decades, I’ve been so fortunate to be a fellow traveller who witnessed Chi work his intellect, curiosity and acumen for the betterment of our shared interests in his role at both the AAP and the IPA as global and technological forces swept across the industry.”
The Lifetime Achievement Award committee, composed of the independent LBF Advisory Board, selected YS Chi from a shortlist of leading international figures in the book industry. The award recognises an individual who has made a significant mark in the sphere of the global book world.
Chi will be speaking on the main stage of LBF on 12th March at 11.15 a.m., on the panel called "Exploring the Ever-Evolving World of Publishing: Global Trends, Challenges, and Opportunities’". He will be presented with his award at a private reception during the London Book Fair.