A Reflection on Our Work in Publishing

Dear colleagues,

For six extraordinary years, I have had the unique privilege of serving as CEO of John Wiley, one of the world's largest publishers and a great American institution. For 216 years, Wiley has been helping the world to create new knowledge and use it to solve its most pressing challenges. As I move to my next chapter, I am reflecting on our work together, its global impact, and our indispensable role as publishers in a world filled with change and challenge.

Leading Wiley has given me a front row seat to a remarkable period in human history. From the trials of COVID to climate change to the transformative rise of artificial intelligence, we’ve chronicled it all in the pages of our journals, books, and courseware. As a community, we have continued to publish vital content through the pandemic, social upheaval, geopolitical conflict, economic crisis, and natural disasters. Working with our authors and partners in industry, academia, and government, we have weathered storms, emerged stronger, and made a real difference.

Publishers play an essential role, especially in times like these. Every day, knowledge seekers all over the world are making discoveries, generating new insights, and building new capabilities to solve problems and unlock opportunities. And as they do, publishers like Wiley are right there to support their work, promote it, and magnify its impact. From the latest research in vaccine development and climate science to the delivery of education that narrows the income gap, the past six years have been a master class on the impact of publishing.

I am immensely proud of all the Wiley team has accomplished. ?In the face of so many obstacles, this team has delivered increasing volumes of high-impact content in science, education, and thought leadership. Wiley has been at the forefront of the Open Access movement in research, driving to a world where discoveries are universally open and accessible. Our work in education has increased its accessibility and its positive effect on careers. Beyond publishing, Wiley has delivered advanced tools and platforms that are now improving the velocity and impact of research and learning everywhere.?

I am deeply grateful to have worked alongside my remarkable Wiley colleagues. I thank each of them for their passion, partnership, and perseverance. I admire them for all they have accomplished and for consistently operating with integrity and the highest values. My Wiley colleagues demonstrate that how you execute your work is just as important as what you achieve. My sincere thanks go to the Wiley family and the Wiley Board for allowing me to lead this wonderful company and for their strong support through these years.

There will surely be more challenges ahead, but Wiley is strong and ready for the journey. Today's Wiley is more focused, agile, and efficient, and it is well prepared to meet the needs of its demanding customers. Of course, we publishers must continually innovate to safeguard our all-important role. We must maintain the highest publishing standards, ensuring both the impact and the integrity of our publishing output. We must protect the rights of authors while delivering the broadest possible access to their work. We must relentlessly advocate for a thriving marketplace for ideas. And we must vigorously defend freedom of expression for all – the very foundation of our industry and democracy.

I look to the future with great optimism because I have seen the power of what we do. ?I know that wherever there is a need, a problem, or an opportunity, there is a researcher, an innovator, a leader, or a learner working hard to find a solution. And wherever these knowledge seekers are working, my Wiley colleagues and our global publishing community stand ready to help them achieve their all-important goals.

Onward.

Brian

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