As CEO of Hachette Book Group, David Shelley has embedded LGBTQ+ inclusion into the company’s culture. He sponsors LGBTQ+ employee resource groups, meeting quarterly with leaders to ensure their priorities reach the executive table. Under his leadership, Hachette introduced inclusion training and policies, and initiatives allowing employees to dedicate time to inclusive projects. David speaks about LGBTQ+ inclusion at company-wide Town Halls, reinforcing it as a key business pillar. Externally, he advocates for inclusive reading programs featuring LGBTQ+ authors through The Reading Agency and speaks against book bans targeting LGBTQ+ titles. He has partnered with organizations like PEN America and Out Leadership to enable LGBTQ+ voices to be heard. Recognized on the Financial Times OUTstanding list, David’s leadership modernizes publishing to reflect diverse readerships, ensuring LGBTQ+ individuals are represented and empowered across the industry.
