Former CEO of Little, Brown and Company, Arthur H. Thornhill, Jr., died on December 17. He was 91.
Thornhill, who was eulogized in the New York Times, ran LB for 25 years. Before joining the publishing industry, he attended Princeton University.While at Princeton, he was drafted and served four years in the U.S. army during World War II. He completed his degree, in American history, in 1946; two years later he joined LB as a trainee, working in both the editorial and sales departments.
In 1954 he was named manager of LB's trade division and, in 1955, became a v-p at the company. In 1962 he was named president and CEO of the publisher, succeeding his father, Arthur H. Thornhill, Sr.
Among Thornhill's notable accomplishments at LB is negotiating the merger that saw the publisher become a subsidiary of Time Inc., in 1968. The deal ensured that LB maintained an independent board of directors, and keep control of its editorial decisions.
Thornhill, who retired from LB in 1987, is survived by a daughter, son, and four grandchildren. For more information on his memorial service, or how to send condolences to his family, go to Hill and Wood Funeral Home.
