Richard Charkin to Chair Thames & Hudson's Board
Richard Charkin has been appointed chair of the board of Thames & Hudson, effective from 1 January 2026. The appointment marks a new milestone in the publisher’s history and underscores its ongoing commitment to creativity and continuity.
Leadership's Welcome
“We are very excited to welcome Richard as the new chair of T&H Ltd – it is an important milestone in the company’s history that reflects our commitment to innovation while remaining true to the values that have shaped us for generations. Richard’s exceptional experience, infectious enthusiasm for publishing and deep knowledge of the industry will help keep T&H stable and flourishing in years to come.”
— Johanna Neurath, Chair of Thames & Hudson Publishing Ltd
Charkin’s Response
“I feel immensely privileged to be joining the Thames & Hudson team. It will be a joy to work in a family-owned independent publisher with the highest standards of scholarship, design, integrity and professionalism. The combination of brilliant books and brilliant publishing is irresistible.”
— Richard Charkin
Career Overview
Charkin, a publisher and educator since 1972, has held senior positions across major publishing houses including Oxford University Press, Reed International Books, Macmillan Publishers, Verlagsgruppe Georg von Holtzbrinck, and Bloomsbury Publishing, where he served as executive director for eleven years.
Notable Roles
- Managing Director, Academic & General Divisions at Oxford University Press
- Chief Executive Officer at Reed International Books
- Chief Executive Officer at Macmillan Publishers
- Executive Director at Verlagsgruppe Georg von Holtzbrinck
- Executive Director at Bloomsbury Publishing for 11 years
Author’s summary: Richard Charkin’s appointment as chair of Thames & Hudson marks a pivotal leadership transition uniting decades of publishing expertise with the company’s enduring creative legacy.