John Sterling Steps Down as President of Holt

John Sterling is stepping down as president and publisher of Henry Holt after nine years in the position, and will become executive vice president and editor-at-large at Macmillan, Holt's parent company. Sterling leaves the helm after a record-breaking year for Holt in terms of sales, profits, and bestsellers.

Assuming his new role on February 25, Sterling will focus on acquiring and editing books for Macmillan imprints, which include Picador, St. Martin's Press, and Farrar, Straus and Giroux, as well as directing digital media initiatives such as podcasts.

"Now I'm eager for something old and something new," Sterling is quoted as saying in the New York Observer. "I'm very grateful for having the opportunity to pursue both my continuing desire to work with talented authors and my keen interest in developing new businesses."

Dan Farley, former president and CEO of Harcourt, will join Holt as interim president and publisher.