Some changes at Image Comics; Ron Richards, formerly of iFanboy, has been hired as Director of Business Development. You can read about Richards’ new duties in the PR below.
The move comes as two other Image staffers will be departing: Events Coordinator Sarah Delaine and Sales and Licensing Coordinator Todd Martinez have left the company.
Richards is a well-liked industry figure with a wide portfolio; with everything going on at Image, he’ll have ample opportunity to flex his skills.
Image Comics is excited to announce the hiring of Ron Richards as Director of Business Development. In this role, Richards will be focusing on sales and marketing strategies for the publishing line, ranging from print to digital products while also extending the Image Comics brand to wider audiences.
Richards is best known for co-founding iFanboy.com, one of the leading comic book websites, in 2001. For over 11 years, he has covered the comics industry with news, reviews, and podcasts. In addition to his time at iFanboy, Richards spent years in the technology industry, most recently at Graphicly, helping to pioneer and innovate eBook publishing and distribution. In 2012, he also co-organized MorrisonCon, the successful comic conference.
“The opportunity to work at Image Comics, the source of such talented people creating amazing comics, is truly an honor,” said Richards. “By melding together my knowledge of the comic book industry with years of business and technology experience, I hope to contribute and continue the tremendous success they’ve had and help propel Image to even greater heights.”
“I’ve worked with Ron for years in a variety of roles, and it’s a real pleasure to finally be working with him here at Image,” said Eric Stephenson, publisher of Image Comics. “For everyone who was impressed by what Image accomplished over the last few years, I’m not exaggerating at all when I say you haven’t seen anything yet. We’re adding some much needed depth to our bullpen, and 2013 is going to be nothing short of amazing as a result.”
In the position of Director of Business Development, Richards will be working closely with publisher Eric Stephenson and PR and Marketing Director Jennifer de Guzman on strategies to broaden the awareness and availability of Image Comics releases via Diamond Distribution, retail stores, digital initiatives and other sales and marketing programs.
Heidi MacDonald is the founder and editor in chief of The Beat. In the past, she worked for Disney, DC Comics, Fox and Publishers Weekly. She can be heard regularly on the More To Come Podcast. She likes coffee, cats and noble struggle.
The iFanboy faithful weep with his loss, but Image would seem to be gaining a solid team player here.
I like DeLaine and Martinez. I hope they are leaving on good circumstances and I hope they find a new home in the comics industry.
Agreed. Best of luck to Todd and Sarah with whatever comes next.
As a friend and business partner (MorrisonCon) I think Ron is a real visionary, a brilliant businessman, and one of the best human beings I’ve ever met. Fantastic news for Image & great news for the rest of comics too.
WHAT! I would’ve guessed they’d get Josh. Please tell me that he gets to keep the podcast in the deal.
Ron is great, always friendly, smart and fun. Image keeps making the right moves, and they’re lucky to have him.