Yet another massive personnel move in the comics space, as Diane Nelson, president of DC Entertainment, is leaving WB permanently, as THR reports. Nelson had been on a leave of absence since March but she announced that the move would be permanent this week.
Nelson originally took the time out to deal with family issues.
WB head Kevin Tsujihara announced the move in a company wide email:
“Diane has been a friend and colleague as well as a valued member of the Warner Bros. family for more than 20 years,” said Tsujihara in a statement. “Throughout her tenure, her leadership and contributions have helped shape the way the studio operates today, and we’re better for having had her on our team. While we’re sad she’ll be leaving us, we completely respect and support her decision. Whatever her next chapter holds, I know she’ll make it amazing.”
According to THR, Thomas Gewecke, chief digital officer and executive vp strategy and business development at Warner Bros., who stepped in to oversee DC, will continue in that role, with Dan DiDio, Jim Lee, Geoff Johns and Amit Desai reporting to him.
Nelson also oversaw WB Consumer Products and that division head, Pam Liffords, will now report directly to Tsujihara.
“Warner Bros. has been my home for over 20 years with a wide variety of incredible professional experiences,” said Nelson in a statement. “The last nine — rebuilding and managing DC Entertainment — have been a particular highlight and privilege. With the support and talents of our staff and creators, I am proud to leave DC even stronger than when I joined it. I will miss everyone —particularly my executive management team — without whom none of our achievements could have been realized. And I am excited to take on my next professional adventure.”
Nelson’s 22 year careeer with WB included overseeing a close relationship with Harry Potter author JK Rowling prior to taking over DC in 2009. As head of DC she oversaw a thriving TV division, increased strength in the comcis publishing segment, and quite a bit of turmoil in the filmed division. The biggest success of her tenure might just have been DC Superhero Girls, the powerhouse franchise that has been a smash in all product segments. The Wonder Woman movie, a project she felt particularly close to, was another highlight.
She also leaves as the WB’s future – and a planned acquisition by AT&T – remains very much in doubt, as a decision on the Justice Depts blcoking of the merger is still awaited.
With Nelson leaving, the WB is losing a top notch executive who at one point seemed headed for an even bigger role at the studio. She is also a gracious, warm person that many people developed a close personal relationship with.
She leaves big shoes to fill. Is the Gewecke regime a temporary one? Or will some other DC exec be elevated to oversee the DC Multiverse?
Let the speculation begin.
Spell check guys…
Farewell, Mrs. Nelson. Thank you for your service! Comics may not always get the respect they deserve, but dedicated people like you have kept trying to advance the medium and its offshoots into other media.
Damn it, now how will we get more amazing DCEU movies?
Please let this be the beginning of the end for DiDio, Lee, and Harras.
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