Bookseller Waterstone’s, which was bought by Russian investor Alexander Mamut from HMV in June, has unveiled its new board, which includes the appointment of Miranda Curtis as chairman.
Curtis is a director of Liberty Global, which is the sister company to Liberty Media, which owns 16.6% stake in US bookseller Barnes & Noble.
Mamut will serve as a non-executive director, along with Dennis Stevenson, who has chaired companies including HBOS and Pearson; Marina Groenberg, chief executive of Mamut’s investment group A&NN; and Nick Perren, chairman of Laurence King Publishing and Profile Books, as well as media group William Reed.
Managing director James Daunt will serve as an executive director.
Curtis said: “ I am proud to accept the Chairmanship of Waterstone’s, which benefits not only from James Daunt’s track record as a consummate bookseller, but also from Alexander Mamut’s financial support, which is evidence of his own passionate belief in books and the importance of reading.
“I look forward to working with them both and with Waterstone’s knowledgeable and experienced staff to help the company prepare for the opportunities of the digital age.”
Daunt said: “I am delighted to welcome the Board to Waterstone’s. As we go through a crucial period of evolution, we are extremely fortunate to have in place a board of such breadth of experience; from small entrepreneurial businesses to large multi-nationals and from publishing and finance to the digital arena.
“Crucially, they are united by their respect for the arts and understanding of the pivotal role played by high street booksellers in the promotion and support of literature. They will be a real asset to the business.”
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