Upcoming Celebration of Life

A memorial service honoring Nicholas “Nicky” Byam Shaw, the esteemed former CEO and chairman of Macmillan, will be held on Friday, March 28th at 3:00 PM. The event will take place at St Matthew’s, located at St Petersburg Place, Bayswater, W2 4LA. The community is invited to join in celebrating his remarkable life.

A Legacy of Leadership

Shaw, who passed away in September at the age of 90, had a profound impact on the British publishing industry. During his tenure of over three decades at Macmillan, he not only guided the company through various transformations but also was instrumental in the sale of the organization to the German publishing group Holtzbrinck in the mid-1990s.

Tribute from the Current CEO

Stefan von Holtzbrinck, the CEO of Holtzbrinck Publishing Group, paid tribute to Shaw, calling him a uniquely talented leader whose blend of intellectual curiosity and business acumen was exceptional. He emphasized that Shaw’s stewardship extended beyond merely achieving financial success. “His leadership at Macmillan was not just about financial success,” von Holtzbrinck stated, “but about fostering a culture of excellence and human connection that continues to define the company today.”

Enduring Impact on the Publishing World

Von Holtzbrinck highlighted the lasting significance of Shaw’s vision for the company, noting, “Macmillan’s reputation for quality and innovation stands as a testament to his vision.” Reflecting on his own professional journey, he remarked on the deep influence Shaw had on both his career and the careers of many others in the industry. Shaw’s legacy in the world of publishing remains impactful, ensuring his memory will be honored and missed.

Further Reading

For those interested in learning more about Nicholas Byam Shaw’s life and contributions to publishing, full obituaries have been published in

• The Bookseller
• The Times