James Daunt's unconventional path to leading Barnes & Noble

James Daunt, the CEO of Barnes & Noble, has followed an unconventional career path to lead America’s largest bookstore chain. Before his tenure at Barnes & Noble, which began in 2019, Daunt served as a purser for Carnival Cruise Lines and worked as an investment banker at JPMorgan.

Daunt transitioned into bookselling by opening Daunt Books in London’s Marylebone neighborhood in 1990. The boutique chain, which is valued at over $10 million, became known for its distinctive Edwardian interiors and specialized travel book collections.

Since taking over Barnes & Noble, Daunt has implemented a strategy to revitalize the brand by decentralizing power, shifting decision-making from corporate headquarters to frontline employees to emulate the success of independent booksellers.