The new DC Entertainment has added another high-powered ex-Disney West Coaster to its roster as Courtney Simmons has filled the position of SVP of Publicity. The current New York-based publicity team of David Hyde, Pamela Mullins, and Austin Trunick will report to Simmons, who has worked for Disney, Sony and Lego — we’d say that covers it all.
Courtney Simmons has been named Senior Vice President of Publicity for DC Entertainment at Warner Bros. Simmons will be based in Burbank and report to John Rood, EVP of Sales, Marketing and Business Development.
In her new role, Simmons will oversee and manage media relations and internal communications for DC Entertainment (DCE) and its executives and be responsible for developing and leading the PR strategy for DC Comics’ portfolio of characters across all media platforms– including key franchises such as Batman, Superman, Green Lantern, Wonder Woman and The Flash – as well as Vertigo Publishing and MAD Magazine. In addition, she will oversee the New York-based DC Entertainment publicity team.
“Courtney is a well-respected and dynamic media relations executive with a proven track record of extraordinary accomplishment in interactive entertainment and consumer publicity,” said Rood. “This is an exciting time at the company as we continue to integrate the DC Comics business, brand and characters throughout Warner Bros. including feature films, video games, television and consumer products. Courtney will work in tandem with our WB colleagues in coordinating communications and publicity across the company and we are thrilled to have her join our senior management team.”
Prior to joining DCE, Simmons was VP of Communications for Disney Interactive Media Group where she oversaw corporate communications, media relations and publicity activities for the interactive entertainment division of The Walt Disney Company. She also served as a communications executive for Sony Online Entertainment (SOE) where she was part of the original PR team that announced the new DC Universe Online video game.
Before SOE she ran media relations and government affairs for The LEGO Group at the LEGOLAND California theme park. Simmons also served as the head of public relations for The Six Flags Theme Park where she led strategic communications and publicity efforts for the Los Angeles-based park.
A longtime advocate for encouraging women toward career paths in the creative and applied arts Simmons was instrumental in creating the G.I.R.L. Scholarship Program that awards college scholarships to women who are looking for careers in the development and production of interactive media. Simmons sits on the Advisory Board of the International Center for the History of Electronic Games at the Strong Museum of Play in New York and was named Top 10 Most Influential Women of MMOs by Beckett Massive Online Gamer in 2009.
She resides in Studio City, CA with her family.
AWESOME!
@Torsten
why is this news awesome? I don’t really get it.
(I’m saying this without any sarcasm, really!)
So had DC ever had this many women in the top slots?
I may have been missing some of the commentary, but it seems like somewhat of a big deal.
I believe it is a good thing to have more women on top, brings a new insight to an industry that needs a shake up. So far no one can claim otherwise, I believe that new CEO is doing rather well. Dc has re-established itself as a major force in a weakened industry. Even challenging Marvel in recent months for #1 in sales / dollars. Courtney Simmons has held some interesting positions in major companies with brands that are well known and worldwide. Surely her expertize will help to develop the DCE brand in other areas (licensing, movies, etc). I think it is a good sign. What I question, is that there seem to be too many chiefs and not enough Indians at DCE. They have been nominating all these VP’s….just how mny are there now!?
Wait a minute, was the first head shot not good enough? Or was that someone else?…
Awesome because she has dealt with the “San Diego crowd”:
PR Director at Six Flags Magic Mountain (and participated in industry trade groups, both at the state and international levels).
PR Director at LEGOland California.
Director, Corporate Communications & Public Relations Sony Online Entertainment
Vice President, Communications of Disney Interactive Media Group
She is actively involved in the videogame industry, sitting on various boards and promoting initiatives to get more women involved in the industry.
That’s a strong resume with a lot of expertise and activism. Lego, Sony, and Six Flags all have business relationships with DCE and WBE.
So I expect great things. (Like book events at BOOKSTORES.)