OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA January 31, 2025 --- Berrett-Koehler Publishers (BK), a mission-driven publishing company, today announced key leadership appointments that will guide the company into its next chapter of growth and innovation. Steve Piersanti has been named Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Chief Financial Officer (CFO), and Publisher, while Kristen Frantz has been appointed Chief Operating Officer (COO) and Senior Vice President of Sales & Marketing. Frantz has also joined the company's board of directors.
These appointments follow the successful tenure of Praveen Madan, who has led significant transformative initiatives since becoming CEO in January 2024. Under Madan's leadership, BK has strengthened its financial foundation, deepened its commitment to author partnerships, and advanced innovative publishing models that align with the company's mission of "Connecting People and Ideas to Create a World That Works for All."
"I am honored to have had the opportunity to help stabilize Berrett-Koehler Publishers, a company I have learned so much from and deeply admire. I am profoundly grateful to the staff, the board, and all of BK's stakeholders for their unwavering support during this transition period. Under Steve and Kristen’s capable leadership, I am confident BK has a bright future as a unique independent publisher dedicated to supporting thought leaders in shaping their messages and amplifying their voices to create meaningful change."
Piersanti, BK's founder and former CEO who most recently served as senior editor, brings decades of publishing expertise and a profound understanding of the company's mission to his expanded role.“I am honored to again be able to serve Berrett-Koehler in the capacity of CEO while also continuing to acquire and edit BK publications,” said Piersanti. “I am grateful that Praveen Madan has done so much to support and advance Berrett-Koehler over twelve years, first as a board member, then as chair of the board, then as CEO. And I’m excited that Kristen Frantz will be stepping up to the role of Chief Operating Officer, which her experience and expertise greatly prepare her for and which will be a blessing to our company.”
Frantz, who has been with BK for over 30 years and has been instrumental in developing the company's sales and marketing strategies, will oversee operations and advance market presence in her new role as COO. "After three decades with Berrett-Koehler, I've seen firsthand how our commitment to partnership and positive change has transformed both our authors and our industry," said Frantz. "I'm excited to help lead BK into its next chapter, building on our strong foundation while exploring new ways to expand our impact and reach. I am thankful to Praveen Madan for his transformative leadership over the past year and to our staff and board for their hard work, and I look forward to collaborating closely with Steve Piersanti to build a bright future for BK." Frantz has joined Piersanti on the company’s board of directors, reflecting her significant contributions to the company's success and her strategic importance to its future.
The leadership transition comes as BK continues to strengthen its position in the publishing industry while maintaining its commitment to being a force for positive change. The company's unique approach to author partnerships, community engagement, and mission-driven publishing has established it as a leader in progressive business, personal growth, and current affairs titles.
"These appointments represent not just a change in leadership, but a reinforcement of our core values and mission," said Joyce Roché, BK's board chair. "Steve and Kristen’s deep commitment to BK's success and servant leadership make them the right leaders for BK at this time in its history."
About Berrett-Koehler Publishers
Berrett-Koehler Publishers is an award-winning, independent publishing company founded in 1992. As a California Benefit Corporation, BK publishes books that promote positive change in individuals, organizations, and society. The company's publications are distributed worldwide by Penguin Random House Publisher Services and have been translated into 54 languages. Together with its two nonprofit partners—the Berrett-Koehler Foundation and BK Authors, Inc.—BK forms a powerful global network dedicated to creating a world that works for all.
Contact: Christy Kirk, Berrett-Koehler Publishers Publicity Manager, ckirk@bkpub.com
