New Delhi, June 24 (IANS) Andrew Phillips of Dorling Kindersley has taken over as head of Penguin International succeeding David Davidar, who quit following allegations of sexual harassment by a former colleague.
Penguin International handles the publishing giant’s businesses in India, Africa and the Middle East. Phillips will take charge in September.
‘David managed the post over and above his responsibility as the Penguin-Canada CEO,’ a senior vice-president of Penguin-India told IANS.
‘Phillips will be based in New Delhi. He will look after the company’s interest in South Africa, the Middle East and India. Phillips will also be responsible for Dorling Kindersley’s growing operations in India,’ the official said.
The Britain-based Phillips is the deputy CEO of Dorling Kindersley.
Davidar was forced to quit this month following allegations of sexual harassment by Lisa Rundle, former director of Digital Publishing and Foreign Rights, Penguin Canada.
She filed a $523,000 lawsuit against Penguin claiming she had been sexually harassed by Davidar for three years.
Phillips joined Dorling Kindersley in 2003 as managing director of the international publishing and licensing house, moving up to the deputy CEO role last year. He previously worked in entertainment software company Electronic Arts and at McGraw-Hill, The Bookseller reported.
Penguin Group chairman and CEO John Makinson said he was ‘absolutely delighted’ that Phillips had agreed to take on the role.
‘He has a wealth of international experience and has enjoyed a very successful track record. He will become one of Penguin’s four regional CEOs around the world,’ he said.
