Bowen named incoming BookPeople CEO

BookPeople, the Australian booksellers association, has announced Susannah Bowen as incoming CEO, starting “in the coming weeks”.

Bowen takes over from current CEO Robbie Egan, who began the role in 2018 and will step down at the end of the year.

Bowen has worked across bookselling, publishing, marketing and education. Most recently, she was general manager of marketing at Campion Education. She is the co-author of How to Market Books 6th edition (Routledge, 2019) and joint principal researcher on the Australian Publishing Industry Workforce Survey on Diversity and Inclusion.

BookPeople president Gavin Williams said, “Susannah’s detailed understanding of the sector, her insight into BookPeople’s current position and her clear vision for the future impressed us all. We’re confident she will lead the organisation with energy and a strong sense of purpose.”

Bowen said, “I believe bookshops are central to culture, community, literacy and education. It’s a challenging time – and one filled with opportunity to strengthen our sector through partnerships, innovation and community connection. With the right focus and policy support, we can keep bookshops thriving as the heart of Australia’s cultural and learning life.”

Category: Local news