After more than 27 years at Penguin Australia, 22 at the helm of the Publishing Department Bob Sessions will retire from Penguin on 27 September 2013.
Gabrielle Coyne, CEO Penguin Australia said today “For over two decades Bob has played an integral role in shaping Penguin’s vibrant and diverse lists. He has been one of the defining figures of our industry and his commitment to Penguin and to the creative talent on which we all thrive is without question.
“He has tirelessly championed Australian talent – authors and illustrators – and his desire to see them succeed not only in Australia but internationally, is what has made him such a fine publisher and one for whom many owe a debt of gratitude.”
Bob Sessions said “It has been a privilege to work for the leading publisher for more than 27 years, along with colleagues who have proved themselves to be the best in the business.
“Publishing is a people business, and I have made many good friends along the way. I first came to Penguin in the 1970s, when Australian publishing was just beginning to find its feet. Since that time, Penguin Australia has been blessed with some fine leaders, and it has been inspiring to have been a part of the management of change, and part of the growing professionalism and internationalisation of the industry. Most important, however, have been the authors, many of whom I have worked with over a long period of time, and over many books. I am leaving Penguin, and its authors, in very capable hands, and will watch its progress with great interest as it enters an exciting new era.”
Bob Sessions’ distinguished publishing career began more than forty years ago. He was one of the inaugural recipients of the George Robertson Award for Services to the Australian Publishing industry.
He was at the vanguard of Australia’s growth in local publishing and the list of authors with whom he has worked reads like a roll call of Australian writing talent. These writers include, but are by no means limited to: Phillip Adams, Pamela Allen, Thea Astley, Graeme Base, Geoffrey Blainey, Bryce Courtenay, Li Cunxin, Rob Drewe, Donald Horne, Paul Jennings, Elizabeth Jolley, Michael Leunig, Ruth Park and Amy Witting.
In addition to his role at Penguin, Bob has also, throughout his career been an active voluntary member on a number of industry associations and is currently Chair of the Course Advisory Committee for Graduate Diploma in Editing & Publishing at RMIT University.
Footnote:
Enjoy your retirement Bob and congratulations on a distinguished publishing career. I remember you warmly from my days at Penguin Books NZ.- Graham Beattie
No comments:
Post a Comment