DM

David Marshall

Co-founder of Marshall Books, and former CEO, CFO, and Publisher

David Marshall – Berrett-Koehler Publishers



Profile Overview


David Marshall is an accomplished professional who held various significant roles at Berrett-Koehler Publishers, including CEO, CFO, Vice President of Editorial and Digital, and head of the editorial department. He recently retired in January 2024 after 16+ years at the company and 50 years in the workforce.

Professional Experience & Contributions



Career at Berrett-Koehler Publishers:
  • Tenure: Joined Berrett-Koehler Publishers in 2007 and celebrated his tenth anniversary in October 2017. Retired as of January 4, 2024.

  • Roles and Responsibilities:

  • Started as a "Digital Community Builder," leveraging his software experience to help BK transition from print to digital.

  • Held leadership roles including CEO, CFO, Vice President of Editorial and Digital, and head of the editorial department.

  • During his tenure, the editorial department was responsible for 40-50 new titles per year and 5-10 digital products or initiatives.

  • Organized and participated in events like the Servant Leadership Online Training Summit, which featured 40 thought leaders and attracted 6,000 registrations from 96 countries.

  • Leveraged his marketing and business development expertise from his background in the software industry to drive BK’s initiatives.


Entrepreneurial and Writing Endeavors:
  • JourneyWare Media: Founded in 1992, focusing on acquiring electronic rights to best-selling personal development books and developing virtual seminars long before the market was ready for such innovations.

  • Author and Co-Author: Along with his wife Kate, David authored several prompted journals designed to foster family communication, such as "The Book of Myself," "The Book of Us," and "What I Love About You," which together have sold nearly one million copies.


Educational Background


  • MBA from Harvard Business School

  • BA from San Francisco State University in International Relations and German Literature


Notable Achievements and Insights


  • Longevity at BK: Remarkably surpassed his previous employment durations, contributing significantly to BK’s mission and growth.

  • Digital Transformation: Instrumental in aiding the transition of BK from a traditional publishing house to a digitally integrated entity.

  • Mission-Driven Work: Passionate about BK's mission of "connecting ideas and people to create a world that works for all," played a key role in amplifying positive change through publishing.

  • Community Engagement: Maintained a close-knit relationship with the BK staff, board members, authors, partners, shareholders, and readers, creating a robust community around the publishing house.


Retirement and Future Plans


  • Retirement Perspective: Emphasizes ongoing creative engagement post-retirement, preferring to view it as a period of "Independence" rather than inactivity.

  • Continued Contribution: Keen to remain involved in purposeful endeavors and nurturing the younger generation through mentorship and other forms of engagement.


Key Publications and Thought Leadership


  • Authored insightful articles such as "How Did I Last at Berrett-Koehler Publishers for 10 Years?" and "How I Became an Author...", reflecting on his career and personal growth.


Contact Information





David Marshall's career at Berrett-Koehler Publishers highlights his pivotal role in advancing the company’s digital transformation and reinforcing its mission-driven ethos. His extensive professional background in marketing, software, and publishing makes him an influential figure, even as he moves into a new phase of independence and potential further contributions to the field.