Princeton University Press extends our congratulations to YoungSuk “YS” Chi, recipient of the 2024 London Book Fair Lifetime Achievement Award honoring an individual who has made a “truly significant mark in the sphere of the global book world.”
The chairman of Elsevier and the Association of American Publishers (AAP), and Director of Corporate Affairs for Elsevier’s parent company, the RELX Group, Chi is also the longest serving member of Princeton University Press’s Board of Trustees, a role he’s held since 2000. During his tenure on PUP’s Board, Chi played a critical role in the establishment of PUP’s Beijing office in 2017 and has been active in spearheading the Press’s publishing program in China more broadly, as an inaugural member of the PUP China Advisory Board.
PUP Director Christie Henry, who was among the publishing leadership who nominated Chi for the award, notes that “YS has created an incredibly positive, global impact across the industry, from advocacy with educational ministers in China and India to leadership of equity and inclusion programs and the creation of communities of support for those historically excluded from and underrepresented in publishing. His achievements in the business of publishing are renowned, but it is his profound commitment to inspiring and mentoring publishers that has led to lifetimes of achievements for many, myself included.”
David Roche, Chair of the Judging Panel, hails Chi as “the embodiment of everything that this award looks to recognise. He is a true internationalist, creating networks and connecting people across continents.”
In addition to his current service as Chairman of the AAP, Chi served as President of the International Publishers Association (IPA) from 2011 until 2014. He currently serves as Distinguished Visiting Professor at Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) and an independent director of Ingram Industries and CFI Education and as Vice Chair of Educational Testing Services (ETS). Renowned for his philanthropic work, Chi is actively engaged with the Korea-US Science Center KUSCO and Ban-Ki Moon Foundation. In 2023 Chi, who co-founded Princeton’s Asian-American Alumni Association, was honored by the University with a distinguished alumni award, given in recognition of his support for Asian-American Studies and Asian and Asian-American students and alumni.
Chi will speak at the Main Stage of The London Book Fair on March 12th, on the panel “Exploring the Ever-Evolving World of Publishing: Global Trends, Challenges, and Opportunities,” and will be presented with his award at a private reception during the Fair.
On the occasion of this latest, richly deserved recognition of his service to global publishing, we extend to YS Chi our deepest gratitude for many wonderful years of wisdom and collaboration.