Niko Pfund Takes the Helm at Yale University Press

Niko Pfund has officially been appointed as the new director of Yale University Press, set to begin his role on July 1st. He will be succeeding John Donatich, who has steered the press since 2003 and announced his retirement last year.

A Legacy of Scholarly Publishing

With offices located in both New Haven and London, Yale University Press is known for its diverse catalog of approximately 400 titles spanning various fields including science, economics, political science, literature, art, and more. Pfund’s appointment comes at a pivotal time as the institution seeks to expand upon the foundation established during Donatich’s tenure.

Expertise and Vision for the Future

In a statement regarding Pfund’s appointment, Maurie McInnis, president of Yale University, highlighted Pfund’s balance of traditional scholarly values and innovative thinking. “We have found in Niko a leader who prizes the time-honoured tenets of rigorous scholarship and bold, future-oriented thinking in equal measure,” McInnis remarked. He praised Pfund’s extensive knowledge of the publishing landscape, noting his success in advancing the mission of academic presses while contributing to global discussions around human affairs.

Prior Roles and Accomplishments

Pfund’s career spans nearly two decades at Oxford University Press (OUP), where he has held multiple positions, culminating in his current role as global academic publisher and president of the US division. His achievements include:

• Management of staff across two US offices.
• Establishing key partnerships to broaden the press’s outreach.
• Enhancing distribution channels and fostering digital growth.

Previously, he served as the director and editor-in-chief at New York University Press, further solidifying his qualifications for this new role.

A Mentor and Advocate in Publishing

Beyond his publishing roles, Pfund has contributed to the academic community by mentoring budding professionals through university publishing programs at esteemed institutions such as Oxford, Columbia, and Amherst College. His involvement extends to various boards, including the governing board for Stanford University Press, reflecting his commitment to advancing the field.

Looking Ahead

Susan Gibbons, Yale’s vice-provost for collections and scholarly communication, expressed confidence in Pfund’s ability to elevate the press: “Niko’s earned reputation and deep experience as a publisher will be an incredible asset.” Pfund himself remarked on the impressive legacy of Yale University Press under Donatich, stating, “It is a great privilege to join this impressive institution. I look forward to meeting my new colleagues and engaging with the Yale community as we navigate the path ahead.”