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Penguin Canada Appoints Rob Prichard as Chairman

John Makinson, Chairman and CEO of Penguin Group, and David Shanks, CEO of Penguin Group (USA), are delighted to announce the appointment of Rob Prichard as Chairman of Penguin Canada.

Rob Prichard, recently named Chair of Torys LLP, a leading international business law firm with offices in Toronto and New York, was previously President and CEO of Metrolinx from 2009-2010. Prior to that, Rob was President and CEO of Torstar Corporation from 2002 to 2009. Torstar is a Canadian media company with operating businesses in book publishing, including Harlequin, Canada's largest trade publisher, and newspapers. Rob is also President Emeritus of the University of Toronto where he served as President from 1990 to 2000. He has served on numerous public and private sector boards boards including McLelland & Stewart Ltd.

John Makinson commented: "Rob needs no introduction. He is well-known and universally respected throughout Canada. He's perfect for the job and I am thrilled that he has agreed to join us. From his work with the University of Toronto Press, McLelland & Stewart and Harlequin, he knows our industry well and will be a wonderful ambassador and champion for Penguin Canada."

As Chairman, Rob Prichard will lead the newly formed Penguin Canada Board of Directors. The Penguin Canada board will include John Makinson, Allan Reynolds (CEO of Pearson Canada) and David Shanks. The new Chairman and Board will work closely with Mike Bryan, President of Penguin Canada, and his executive team and with David Shanks.

David Shanks commented: "I look forward to Rob's leadership of the Board and his involvement with our hugely talented team in Toronto. His counsel will be invaluable as we look to build on Penguin Canada's leading position and commitment to Canadian writing, through its highly successful domestic publishing program."

Rob Prichard commented: "I am delighted to make this association with Penguin on the company's 75th anniversary, and I look forward to a renewed involvement in Canadian book publishing with one of the finest publishing houses in the country. Canada punches well above its weight in the literary world and Penguin Canada represents Canada to the world and the world to Canada. To represent the remarkable list of authors on Penguin's Canadian list is indeed an honour as they are recognized nationally and globally for their distinguished work."