Image Comics has hired a new VP of Sales & Publishing Planning: Matt Parkinson, who moves over from a 17-year stint at Dark Horse, where he was VP of Marketing. Parkinson replaces the recently departed Jeff Boison, and will report directly to publisher/CCO Eric Stephenson. Book Market & Library Sales Manager Chloe Ramos and Director of Direct Market Sales Alex Cox will report to Parkinson, with Jon Schlaffman, Specialty Sales Coordinator, reporting to Cox.
At Dark Horse Parkinson oversaw all day-to-day operations of the company’s marketing department including publicity, social media, internal company communications, direct market relations, conventions and special events, promotions, advertising, and much more.
Parkinson was an impact player at Dark Horse and will be the same at Image. “I’m deeply honored to be joining the team at Image Comics,” he said in a statement. “For thirty years, the company has been on the forefront of creativity and innovation, publishing some of the most incredible stories by the most talented creators in the industry. I look forward to expanding Image’s already strong readership and building new partnerships as we move into the next thirty years of the company’s amazing journey!”
Stephenson was enthused over the hire. “Over the years, we’ve been fortunate to work with some spectacularly talented people, all of whom have contributed to Image’s success in different ways, and it’s a pleasure to add Matt to that list. Myself and the rest of our amazing team are looking forward to working with him on growing our sales during what has already proven to be a fantastic year for Image Comics.
Image also promoted many folks:
Lorelei Bunjes, formerly the Director of Digital Services at Image, is being promoted up to VP of Digital Strategy.
Dirk Wood, formerly the Director of International Sales & Licensing, will be VP of International Sales & Licensing.
Heather Doornink, formerly the Production Director, is being promoted to VP of Production.
Nicole Lapalme, formerly the Controller, is being promoted to VP of Finance.
Kat Salazar, formerly the Director of PR & Marketing, is being promoted up to VP of PR & Marketing.
Of the promotions, Stephenson said “We’re also excited to give some additional recognition to several members of our executive level staff. In terms of production, accounting, and our marketing, Heather, Nicole, and Kat have each had a hugely transformative effect on our operations. Lorelei and Dirk are relatively new hires, but both have similarly impressed us with their level of insight, energy, and commitment, and it’s already difficult to imagine how we ever got along without them.”
