‘Da Vinci Code’ publisher Steve Rubin resigning

‘Da Vinci Code’ publisher resigning

NEW YORK — The man who published “The Da Vinci Code” is resigning.

Stephen Rubin, a publishing executive since 1984 whose authors have included Dan Brown, John Grisham and Pat Conroy, said Thursday that he was stepping down as executive vice president and publisher-at-large of Random House Inc., effective Oct. 2.

“I have had the privilege of publishing and working closely with some of the greatest authors in the world,” Rubin, 67, said in a statement Thursday.

“So what’s next? I am in serious discussion about some very exciting new opportunities in publishing. As well, I intend to return to my writing roots as I have been offered a book contract by one of the finest publishers in the industry. As I look to the future, I can honestly tell you that I am thrilled by the prospects. Stay tuned.”

“Steve and I have talked a lot about him continuing to play a major role with Random House, but in the end he has chosen to move on,” Random House chairman and CEO Markus Dohle said in a statement. “Much as I wish his decision were otherwise, I respect his choice.”

Rubin declined further comment. His agent, Robert F. Levine, said that the planned book was about classical music, but declined to say which publisher was involved. “It has absolutely nothing to do with New York publishing,” Levine said of the book.

Rubin had headed the Doubleday Broadway Group before his division was dispersed last December in a corporate consolidation. After starting his new position, in February, his acquisitions included a memoir by former President George W. Bush and short stories by Grisham.

“Steve is one of the remaining giants of publishing,” said Bush’s literary representative, Robert Barnett. “Wherever he goes will be a better plalce, because he’s there.”

“Steve Rubin has been my friend and publisher for almost twenty years,” Grisham said in a statement. “He deserves much credit for my success. His departure from Random House means the end of Doubleday. It’s a sad day for me, and for many other writers as well.”

Rubin’s most celebrated, and envied, release came after Doubleday signed a little-known thriller writer named Dan Brown, whose “The Da Vinci Code” was published in 2003 and sold more than 40 million copies. Rubin’s resignation, ironically, was announced just nine days after the launch of Brown’s long-awaited follow-up, “The Lost Symbol.” The six-year gap between books was widely regarded as hurting Doubleday’s standing within the company.

Random House spokesman Stuart Applebaum, asked by The Associated Press if Rubin had been bored in his most recent job, said: “Only Mr. Rubin can address this. We greatly enjoyed working with him and we will miss him.”