Youngsuk ‘YS’ Chi. Image: LBF
By Porter Anderson, Editor-in-Chief | @Porter_Anderson
‘I’ve Been Incredibly Fortunate’
Less than two weeks after being announced the new chair of the board of directors of the Association of American Publishers (AAP), Youngsuk “YS” Chi has also been named the 2024 laureate of London Book Fair‘s (March 12 to 14) Lifetime Achievement Award.
Chi, of course, is the chair of the Amsterdam-based Elsevier and for RELX, the parent of Elsevier, he is the director of corporate affairs.
Based in London and Washington DC, Chi travels, of course, to engage with scientific research communities, consult with leadership teams on key trends, and advises stakeholders and boards in various industries.
He’s not only the newly elected AAP board chair, but he’s a past president of the International Publishers Association (IPA).
He is also actively involved in numerous educational, artistic, and charitable organizations, the beneficiaries of his efforts including Princeton University, the Korea-US Science Center KUSCO, and the Ban Ki-Moon Foundation.
In a quote prepared for the overnight embargoed release of the news (at the top of Wednesday, February 21, GMT), Chi is quoted, saying, “I’m humbled, both by those who nominated me and by the panel that selected me for this tremendous honor.
“Having entered the book industry unknowingly nearly 30 years ago, I’ve been incredibly fortunate to learn so much from my peers who have embraced both tradition and innovation. It has truly been a privilege to be enriched by their purpose, dedication, and professional expertise.
“Being a part of this industry’s development has been a remarkable experience, and I’m certain that publishing will continue to thrive with both talent and passion.”
Gareth Rapley
Gareth Rapley, the event director for London Book Fair, points to “the impressive career of YS with the Lifetime Achievement Award.
From his remarkable work ethic to his impressive stamina across so many fields, in particular his contributions to copyright, his focus on sustainability and his dedication to the industry, YS is an example of one of the most inspiring individuals working in publishing right now.
“We’re lucky to have him as a speaker on the Main Stage on Day 1, and we are looking forward to paying him a worthy tribute at the Fair, celebrating this incredibly well-deserved honor.”
David Roche
David Roche, the non-executive chair of London Book Fair’s advisory board and chair of the award’s jury, says, “Chairing the independent judging panel for the LBF Lifetime Achievement Award is always a privilege and a pleasure.
“This year’s high-quality shortlist was filled with worthy candidates but one submission stood out above the others. YS Chi is the embodiment of everything that this award looks to recognize. He’s a true internationalist, creating networks and connecting people across continents. He has both a determination to influence leading global figures and a passion to mentor those at the beginning of their careers, to create a better future. He sits on many disparate boards and this is testament to the diversity of his talent and interests and how highly he is valued.”
Kumsal Bayazit
Elsevier CEO Kumsal Bayazit says, “Everyone at Elsevier is immensely proud that our chairman, YS Chi, has been honoured with the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award by the London Book Fair.
This recognition not only celebrates his remarkable contributions to the publishing industry but also underscores his unwavering dedication to advancing knowledge and fostering innovation. This award is a testament to his exceptional career and enduring legacy, and we extend our heartfelt congratulations on this well-deserved honor.”
And Maria A. Pallante, president and CEO of the Association of American Publishers, says, “I first met YS about 12 years ago, during my tenure as director of the US Copyright Office. From my experience working with YS all those years ago, I can say that he was an important advocate and spokesperson for the international publishing community then, and that he has never slowed down.
“YS personifies the qualities that propel the modern publishing industry: a commitment to research, learning, and progress; enthusiastic investment in technology; respect for both the private and public sectors; collaboration across disciplines and cultures; and a work ethic that incorporates indefatigable service to colleagues and industry boards, including the AAP where he is currently serving his second term as chair.
“My heart-felt congratulations to YS on this incredibly well-deserved accolade.”
More from Publishing Perspectives on London Book Fair is here, more from us on trade shows and book fairs in world publishing is here, and more on the United Kingdom’s book market is here.
Publishing Perspectives is the International Publishers Association’s world media partner.
About the Author
Porter Anderson
Porter Anderson has been named International Trade Press Journalist of the Year in London Book Fair’s International Excellence Awards. He is Editor-in-Chief of Publishing Perspectives. He formerly was Associate Editor for The FutureBook at London’s The Bookseller. Anderson was for more than a decade a senior producer and anchor with CNN.com, CNN International, and CNN USA. As an arts critic (Fellow, National Critics Institute), he was with The Village Voice, the Dallas Times Herald, and the Tampa Tribune, now the Tampa Bay Times. He co-founded The Hot Sheet, a newsletter for authors, which now is owned and operated by Jane Friedman.
