Reading the world

Markus Dohle is proud of publishing Mo Yan overseas and says Penguin Random House is planning more Chinese-language titles, especially given rising demand for children's literature. Photos provided to China Daily

Penguin Random House's CEO is excited to bring foreign titles to China and Chinese literature to the globe. Mei Jia reports.

Markus Dohle knew he has "the best job in the world" when Dan Brown knocked on his office door in 2008.

The CEO of the world's largest trade-book publisher, Penguin Random House, was then CEO of Random House. It was five years before the two groups merged when the best-selling writer popped in to meet Dohle.

"It was my first day at Random House," he recalls during his recent visit to Beijing.

"I came into the office at 8 in the morning on June 2. One hour later, Brown came in and said he was dropping by and wanted to introduce himself."

Dohle responded: "'I think I have to introduce myself to you.'"

The two became friends.

"Till today, we catch up as often as possible."

Dohle believes that staying connected with people, products, services and the industry is crucial to any leader.

"Staying in touch with authors is especially important," he says.