General interest publisher Simon & Schuster revealed on Wednesday that Jonathan Karp has informed the company's board of directors of his decision to step down as chief executive officer. He will remain in the role during the transition and subsequently become publisher of the company's newest imprint, Simon Six.

Karp, who was appointed CEO in May 2020 after a decade as Publisher of the flagship Simon & Schuster imprint, previously founded Twelve at Hachette Book Group in 2005. He began his publishing career at Random House in 1989, rising to Editor in Chief during his 16 years with the company.

Simon Six, which has launched its website, will publish six titles annually in collaboration with Simon & Schuster's existing imprints. Karp said the imprint will focus on a smaller number of books with greater editorial emphasis.

Under Karp's leadership, Simon & Schuster navigated major transformation, including its acquisition by KKR, which drove investment in new talent, international expansion, employee ownership, and improved financial performance.

Simon & Schuster's board of directors has retained Spencer Stuart to conduct a search for Karp's successor.