John Wiley & Sons announced that Chairman Peter Booth Wiley has declared his intention to retire as Chair after his current term expires in September 2015. Wiley’s Board of Directors has identified Matthew S. Kissner as Mr. Wiley’s recommended successor. The Board agreed at its meeting on December 18 to recommend that Mr. Kissner’s name be placed on the slate of board candidates for election in September 2015. If he is re-elected, the Board has stated its intention to appoint him as Wiley’s next chair. The Board also agreed to recommend that Mr. Wiley’s name be placed on the same slate for election as a director for one year starting in September 2015.
Mr. Wiley joined the board in 1984 and succeeded his brother Bradford Wiley II as Chairman in 2002.
Mr. Kissner is a former Executive Vice President and Group President of Pitney Bowes and has held leadership positions at Banker’s Trust, Citigroup, and Morgan Stanley. He is currently President and CEO of The Kissner Group, a financial advisory firm, and is a member of the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors of the Regional Plan Association. Mr.Kissner has served on Wiley’s Board since 2003 including service as chair of the Executive, Governance, Audit, and Compensation committees.
Announcing his intention to retire as Chairman, Mr. Wiley said, “Although I am stepping down as Chairman after twelve years, the Wiley family remains committed to its leadership role in governance of the company and to maintaining Wiley’s legacy as an independent, competitively ambitious enterprise with a strong board, experienced management, and a global community of creative colleagues. The Family’s role in the firm, I believe, has historically been beneficial to all Wiley shareholders. We currently emphasize family involvement in board leadership and a super-majority of independent directors, who work together to ensure that the board represents all of Wiley’s stakeholders. I am proud of my work sustaining the family’s commitment to industry leadership and best governance practices.”
He continued, “I am also pleased that my sons Jesse and Nate, representing the seventh generation of Wileys to work in the business, are both engaged Wiley employees and that Jesse will continue to serve on the board.”
Jesse Wiley joined Wiley in 2003 and is currently a Strategic Business Development Manager. He joined the Wiley Board of Directors in 2012. Nate Wiley joined Wiley in 2010 and is currently a Corporate Marketing Manager.
