Former Harry Potter publisher Barbara Marcus now heading Random House Children’s Books

NEW YORK, N.Y. – A former publisher of the Harry Potter books is heading to the house of Dr. Seuss.

Barbara Marcus, who helped oversee the first six Potter stories at Scholastic Inc., has been named president and publisher of Random House Children’s Books.

The publisher announced Wednesday that she is immediately succeeding longtime Random House executive Chip Gibson. In a letter sent to Random House employees, CEO and chairman Markus Dohle says Gibson achieved almost all his professional goals and wanted an “extended break.”

Besides Dr. Seuss, Random House publishes such popular works as Christopher Paolini’s “Inheritance” cycle and Mary Pope Osborne’s “Magic Tree House” series.

Marcus worked more than 20 years at Scholastic before stepping down in 2005. She had served as a consultant in recent years.

News from © The Associated Press, . All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Join the Conversation!

Want to share your thoughts, add context, or connect with others in your community?

The Associated Press

The Associated Press is an independent global news organization dedicated to factual reporting. Founded in 1846, AP today remains the most trusted source of fast, accurate, unbiased news in all formats and the essential provider of the technology and services vital to the news business. More than half the world’s population sees AP journalism every day.