Harris Simmons

Harris Simmons is a legendary New York media company founded and led for generations by a distinguished Mayflower-descended family. Widely regarded as one of America’s most prestigious media institutions, the company embodies the traditions, influence, and social standing of the nation’s old-line establishment. Its boardrooms and executive suites have long been occupied by leaders from similar blue-blood backgrounds, making Harris Simmons as much a cultural institution as a media powerhouse.

For generations, the Harris family guided the company’s growth and reputation for journalistic excellence. By the opening of The Publisher’s Dilemma, Gill Harris serves as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. He is the last in a long line of  Harris family CEOs and must before reaching the company’s mandatory retirement age of sixty-five, pass the company’s leadership on to the first non-Harris family member. 

 Gill Harris intends to select his # 2, company President Donald Alexander as his successor as Chief Executive Officer. His decision reflects a belief that character, vision, and leadership—not family lineage—should determine who leads one of America’s most respected media companies. And, Alexander is a star who is on the top list of of most outstanding executives in Gotham. 

Before that transition can take place, tragedy strikes.

In the opening pages of The Publisher’s Dilemma, Gill Harris is murdered and Donald Alexander is critically wounded during a shocking attack at Harris Simmons headquarters. The assassination ends generations of uninterrupted Harris family leadership and sets in motion the events that eventually give rise to the Black Camelots.

Although Harris Simmons remains one of the most influential media companies in the series, it also becomes the place where one historic era ends and another begins.

Key Facts

  • Legendary New York media company.
  • Founded and led for generations by a distinguished Mayflower-descended family.
  • A symbol of America’s old-line, blue-blood establishment.
  • Known for journalistic excellence, influence, and prestige.
  • Gill Harris served as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.
  • Gill Harris was the last Harris family CEO before mandatory retirement at age 65.
  • Gill Harris has promisedDonald Alexander to become the next President and Chief Executive Officer.
  • Gill Harris was murdered and Donald Alexander critically wounded in the opening pages of The Publisher’s Dilemma.
  • The attack launches the events that ultimately lead to the rise of the Black Camelots.