Carolyn K. Reidy (May 23, 1949 – May 12, 2020) was an American publishing executive who served as the President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of [[Simon & Schuster]] from 2008 until her death in 2020. She was a prominent figure in the publishing industry, known for her leadership during a period of significant change and her advocacy for authors and the literary world.
Reidy began her career in publishing in the late 1970s, holding various editorial and managerial positions. Before joining Simon & Schuster, she worked at Avon Books and [[William Morrow and Company]]. She joined Simon & Schuster in 1992 as President of the Trade Division. Her tenure in this role saw her overseeing the publication of numerous bestselling and acclaimed books across various genres.
In 2001, Reidy was promoted to President and Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Simon & Schuster. Her strategic vision and operational expertise were instrumental in preparing the company for the evolving landscape of the 21st-century publishing industry. She ascended to the role of President and CEO in 2008, a position she held for twelve years.
As CEO, Reidy navigated Simon & Schuster through transformative shifts, including the rise of e-books, the dominance of online retailers, and the economic challenges of the late 2000s and 2010s. She was widely respected for her calm demeanor, sharp business acumen, and unwavering commitment to the company's authors and employees. Under her leadership, Simon & Schuster continued to publish a diverse range of successful titles and maintained its reputation as a leading global publisher. Reidy was also a vocal advocate for free speech and the enduring value of books.
Carolyn Reidy passed away unexpectedly in May 2020 due due to a sudden illness, just days before her 71st birthday. Her death marked the end of an influential career in publishing and was met with widespread tributes from across the industry.