Chris Powell.jpg
Diamond has just hired Chris Powell to the slot of Executive Director of Business Development for the comic book specialty market (CBSM). Powell is a familiar industry figure due to his many years at Lone Star Comics and as the head of ComicsPRO, and as a CBLDF board member.

This new position was advertised by Diamond last year, and Powell will work with Chuck Parker and Roger Fletcher to create new programs for comics retailers, with a stated goal of creating more brick-and-mortar stores.

Obviously this is a tough time for the CBSM — but heck, it’s always a tough time for the CBSM. Having a knowledgeable industry vet like Powell hired just to work with stores seems like a very smart move for all concerned.

PR below:

Powell is currently the General Manager and Chief Relationship Officer of Lone Star Comics & mycomicshop.com, based in Arlington, Texas.  During his 20+ year career in comics, he not only helped manage the very successful Lone Star business, but also served as a Founding Board Member of ComicsPro, and as President of the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund Board.   Chris will begin his new position at Diamond in March.   In the meantime, he will remain at Lone Star assisting owners Buddy and Judy Saunders as he transitions to Diamond.

Diamond announced the creation of this new executive-level position last Fall. The top priority of the job will be to “spearhead the design and implementation of supplier supported programs to encourage and assist current CBSM retailers to improve and expand their businesses, with an emphasis on creating additional brick & mortar locations.”  In his new role, Powell will be based at Diamond’s Home Office in Timonium, and report jointly to Diamond Executive VP & COO Chuck Parker, and VP Sales & Marketing Roger Fletcher .

“We created this new position because we believe in print comics and the future of the direct market,” said Parker. “We‘re coming off an exciting year in 2011, and we think there’s continued opportunity for growth in our industry. We believe that Diamond, working in conjunction with our suppliers, can do more to help existing retailers grow, and to help new retailers get started.  I am truly very excited to have Chris working with our team on this very important goal. ”

“We’re very pleased that Chris will be joining Diamond,” added Fletcher. “His successful hands-on experience in every aspect of comic retailing, and his strong relationships throughout the industry, make him uniquely well-suited for the position.”

Said Powell: “As soon as I read the job posting from Diamond, I knew this was something I had to pursue.  The Direct Market has been very good to me in the 21 years I’ve been at Lone Star, and this is a unique opportunity to give back.  It’s going to be a big job, but I’m looking forward to diving right in!”

1 COMMENT

  1. That’s a pretty perfect hire there — Chris has the skill sets for sure.

    A surprisingly strong move from Diamond, and one which should have some pretty positive things for the future.

    -B

  2. Wow, this is huge news for the future of this industry. As Brian has said, I can’t think of a more perfect person for this position than Chris. A huge loss for Lone Star Comics though.

  3. This is a job that seems to be a custom fit for Chris Powell. He’s a great guy with a lot to offer, so I hope this will be a bright signal to those sitting on the fence about opening new comic shops to get out there and do it! There’s someone dedicated to helping you at Diamond now.