IDW Names New Publisher, VP Creative Affairs

Following the departure of Chris Ryall and the termination of his replacement, Jud Meyers, IDW Publishing has announced that comics industry veteran Nachie Marsham will be the company’s new Publisher. Additionally, Veronica Brooks has been promoted to Vice President of Creative Affairs.

“We’re honored to have Nachie onboard the IDW ship as he is a champion for novel storytelling and has an unequaled passion for this industry,”  said Ezra Rosensaft, IDW’s CEO. “With Nachie at the publishing helm and Veronica stepping into a larger role within the company, our creators, strong catalog of beloved original content, and our audience who trusts us to continue to deliver great stories across screens and platforms, are in the most capable hands.”

Marsham has been in the comics industry for nearly twenty-five years, having worked at Disney Publishing Worldwide, DC Comics, and Wizard Entertainment. In his new role, he’ll oversee IDW Publishing’s strategic business units, integration of product cross-platform programs, product growth initiatives with marketing partners, and expanding the company’s intellectual property portfolio.

“Working collaboratively to create powerful stories has always been my passion,” said Masham. “IDW is home to some of the most beloved IP in the business and I couldn’t be more excited to join them in furthering these stories and expanding their creative direction across all platforms.”

Brooks moves up from her role as Senior Director to VP of Creative Affairs, where she’ll work across both IDW Publishing and IDW Entertainment to develop strategy for the development of IDW’s IP library to film, television, podcasts, and digital media. Her background includes work at Ziff Davis, NBCUniversal, and MTV.

“I’m thrilled to be taking on new challenges and look forward to collaborating with Nachie and the rest of the team to continue to produce content that empowers, educates, and entertains,” said Brooks.

This move comes in the wake of IDW having terminated Jud Meyers just days after he was installed as IDW’s interim publisher following the departure of Chris Ryall. Ryall left the combo position of President, Publisher, and Chief Creative Officer back in July to “pursue new business opportunities” outside of the company. Meyers was placed on administrative leave after IDW learned of a lawsuit from 2012 in which Meyers was accused of breach of fiduciary duty, conversion, and misappropriation of trade secrets. The suit, which centered around Meyers’ involvement with Blastoff Comics, was settled out of court.

Following Meyers’ ouster, Jerry Bennington was named interim publisher, adding to his new duties as president following Ryall’s exit.