Blackwell's new head is first 'outsider'

Family-owned bookseller Blackwell’s has ended 127 years of history by appointing a non-family member to head the company.

Philip Blackwell – the grandson of founder Basil Blackwell – has stepped down as executive chairman with immediate effect after six years at the helm.

He will be replaced by Gerry Connolly, a chartered accountant who has worked for mining group BHP Billiton and also Dawson’s Holdings, a library supplies business and specialist in scientific journals.

In recent years there have been disagreements among members of the Blackwell family over whether to sell the business or keep it in the family’s hands.

The family owns Blackwell Publishing as well as Blackwell – the bookseller and library supply business which has 61 shops and employs around 800 staff in the UK.