Tribute to Nicky Byam Shaw, visionary leader of Macmillan
This message is on behalf of our Chair, Stefan von Holtzbrinck
30 September 2024
Nicky Byam Shaw, who led Macmillan as CEO and Chairman for over 30 years until 2000 and served on Holtzbrinck’s Executive and Supervisory Boards from 1995 for more than a decade, passed away on Wednesday, September 25th. His legacy at Macmillan, spanning divisions such as Pan Macmillan, Macmillan Publishers US, Macmillan Education, Macmillan Learning, and Nature, is one of extraordinary vision and lasting impact, driving the group’s success across multiple markets.
Nicky, after having fought in the Korean War with the Royal Navy, started off with the publisher Collins, selling books by bus to bookshops around Glasgow and on the underground. He joined Macmillan in 1964 as an International Sales Executive. Despite being largely unprepared, he was sent to some of the most remote parts of the world, where he quickly gained a deep understanding of the complexities of international publishing. When he became Harold Macmillan's right-hand man, Macmillan faced a difficult economic period having rested on past glories. Yet, despite these challenges, Nicky not only adapted but thrived, laying the foundation for his eventual rise to the top of the company. He guided Macmillan through a period of international expansion while maintaining the company’s integrity and core values. Under his leadership, Macmillan created its first locally managed offices in Asia — in Hong Kong, Tokyo, Delhi, and Bangalore — pioneering the expansion of Macmillan Education and Nature into these regions. At the same time, he championed the U.S. market, recognizing its immense strength not only in trade publishing but also in academia. Nicky also expanded the reach of Nature by launching influential journals such as Nature Medicine and Nature Genetics. His ability to recognize and seize opportunities was remarkable, though he always acted with integrity—understanding where potential lay without ever being opportunistic.
In 1995, Nicky made the pivotal decision to sell Macmillan to our family-owned company Holtzbrinck. This was a decision rooted in long-term foresight, despite the personal history—his father was lost during World War II in a German attack—and the potential historical sensitivities of a British publishing house being acquired by a German firm. He transformed our group, and we still feel his trust in us and the great responsibility that comes with it.
Nicky's strength as a leader went far beyond his strategic decisions; he was an exceptional mentor. Personally, I owe much of my career to his guidance, which shaped not only my professional path but also my way of thinking. He had a remarkable ability to inspire and nurture talent, leaving a profound impact on those who worked with him. He also was centrally involved in setting up Macmillan’s "21 Club", an exclusive group for those who had served the company for 21 years, a testament to his deep loyalty and commitment to his colleagues. Though he valued respect over friendship, Nicky’s genuine interest in the lives of those he worked with and his unwavering loyalty left a lasting impression. He cultivated a sense of family and belonging within the company, with a deep dedication to Macmillan’s legacy dating back to 1843. He combined sharp business acumen with a romantic intellect, collecting stories and experiences with the same passion he brought to the publishing world.
Outside of business, Nicky was an avid reader of literature and a lover of the theatre. He had a passion for painting and gardening, pursuits that reflected his appreciation for creativity and beauty. He also enjoyed horse racing, though it was clear that the company and camaraderie held as much appeal as the betting. In his later years, Nicky immersed himself in U.S. history, studying at Dartmouth, where his curiosity and intellect continued to flourish.
We remember Nicky as a rare leader who blended a deep intellectual curiosity with sharp business insight. His leadership at Macmillan was not just about financial success but about fostering a culture of excellence and human connection, one that continues to define the company today. Macmillan’s reputation for quality and innovation stands as a testament to his vision. As someone who had the privilege of learning from him, I can personally attest to the profound impact he had on my career and on countless others. His legacy in the publishing world remains a lasting influence, and he will be deeply missed.
