Yaged named chief executive of Macmillan as Weisberg steps aside

Don Weisberg is stepping down from his role as Macmillan c.e.o. in the US after two years, handing the reins to Jon Yaged, who will commence the role from 1st January 2023.

Weisberg became chief executive in 2020 following the departure of longtime c.e.o. John Sargent, who left following "disagreements regarding the direction of Macmillan”.

Joanna Prior, c.e.o. of Pan Macmillan UK, and Ross Gibb, m.d. of Pan Macmillan ANZ, will continue to report to Weisberg until the end of the year, a spokesperson confirmed. From 1st January 2023 they will report to Stefan von Holtzbrinck, c.e.o. of Holtzbrinck Publishing Group. Weisberg will remain in an advisory capacity to von Holtzbrinck.

Yaged joined the firm in 2011 as president of Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group. In his current role as president of Macmillan Publishers US he has, according to the organisation, led the firm to record-breaking sales and profits. He began his publishing career at the Walt Disney Company, eventually attaining the position of vice president, US publisher.

On his appointment he said: “I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to serve as the next c.e.o of Macmillan Publishers US. From the day I started, Macmillan has been a place that encourages experimentation, nurtures creativity and cares about people. “As we look to the future, I see how we can remain true to our foundation while also continuing to evolve. A special thanks to Don for not only leading us through the most difficult couple of years I can remember, but also bringing us to new heights across all areas of our company.”

Weisberg said there couldn’t be a better time for him to step aside. “We are coming off two record-breaking years of unprecedented growth and profit; we have improved every facet of our operation at a time when the world has faced an existential crisis, and we have done it with grace, intelligence and dedication,” he said.

“Macmillan has a culture that puts people first. I’ve worked hard to extend and protect that and have no doubt that Jon will as well. He is an extremely smart, capable, effective leader; I’m leaving Macmillan Publishers US in very good hands.” 

Von Holtzbrinck added: “Since 2016, Don has led Macmillan Publishers US, and later the whole of Macmillan Trade Publishing, from strength to strength. While this is by no means a day of farewell, it is one of emotion, as there is no doubt that we, Macmillan and Holtzbrinck, owe a lot to Don.” 

He added: “Jon is widely respected both within Macmillan and across the industry for his ability to attract, develop and empower talent and for creating a culture of mentorship, collaboration and teamwork, so that creativity flourishes along with a sense of belonging.”

“His results-driven approach, his clarity of communication and decisiveness have been and will continue to be particularly valuable in leading the company,” he added.