Richard Charkin to Chair Thames & Hudson's Board
Richard Charkin has been appointed as the new chair of the board at Thames & Hudson, with his tenure beginning on 1 January 2026. The announcement marks a significant leadership transition for the independent art and design publishing house.
“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
“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 Background
Since beginning his career in 1972, Charkin has held multiple executive roles across leading publishing houses. His past positions include:
- Managing Director of Academic and 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 will lead Thames & Hudson from January 2026, bringing decades of publishing experience to strengthen the company’s legacy of quality and innovation.