Divya Sawhney
About Divya Sawhney
Divya Sawhney is the SVP of Global Strategy at Penguin Random House, with a background in strategic management and marketing operations from The Wharton School and extensive experience in the publishing industry.
Company
Divya Sawhney currently serves as the Senior Vice President (SVP) of Global Strategy at Penguin Random House in New York, New York. In her role, she oversees strategic initiatives and growth strategies on a global scale, collaborating with multiple department teams across various countries. Since her appointment as Chief Strategy Officer in 2023, she has been pivotal in shaping the strategic direction of Penguin Random House, including enhancing online sales capabilities and data analytics.
Title
Divya Sawhney holds the title of Senior Vice President (SVP) of Global Strategy at Penguin Random House. In this capacity, she leads critical global initiatives such as the development of the company’s Audio business and the strategic expansion of children’s content. Her role involves working closely with teams from publishing, sales, marketing, operations, and finance to achieve the company's strategic objectives.
Education and Expertise
Divya Sawhney earned her MBA from The Wharton School at The University of Pennsylvania, specializing in Strategic Management and Marketing Operations, in 2014. She also holds a BA in English from Barnard College, which she completed in 2008. Additionally, she studied English at University College London for 11 months in 2007. These academic credentials have equipped her with a strong foundation in both literature and business strategy.
Professional Background
Divya Sawhney began her career in literary agencies, working as an intern at Blumer Literary Agency, A.M. Heath & Company Author's Agents, and Random House's Foreign & Domestic Rights Licensing. She then joined Scholastic, where she held several roles including Associate Manager, Cross Channel Publishing. Her career further advanced with a stint as a Consumer Insights MBA Intern at PepsiCo, before joining Penguin Random House where she now leads global strategy.
Achievements
At Penguin Random House, Divya Sawhney has accomplished significant milestones including leading the global development of the Audio business, scaling online sales capabilities, and enhancing data and analytics infrastructure globally. She has also played a crucial role in expanding children's content, establishing global children's leadership forums, and executing key acquisitions. Additionally, she developed growth strategies for international markets, notably China and Germany.