Press Release
Diamond Comic Distributors, Inc. announced today that Executive Director of Business Development Chris Powell is being promoted to the newly created position of Vice President of Retailer Services.
A veteran of over 20 years in the industry, Powell joined Diamond in March, 2012, to focus on developing programs to strengthen and grow the comic book specialty market. He spearheaded Diamond’s rollout of publisher-supported incentive programs to encourage comic shops to add point-of-sale systems, expand their locations, and open new stores. He has also been instrumental in the launch of Diamond Digital, an innovative program which gives comic shops an opportunity to benefit from digital comic sales.
In his new role, Powell will continue his business development efforts, while also assuming responsibility for Diamond’s Customer Service and Technical Support departments.
“It’s my pleasure to congratulate Chris on his promotion,” said Diamond President & CEO Steve Geppi. “He’s already proven himself to be a great addition, and we look forward to his contributions to both Diamond, and the industry as a whole, for many years to come.”
As VP of Retailer Services, Powell will report to Diamond Executive VP & COO Chuck Parker, who added, “Chris came to Diamond with a reputation as a creative, energetic leader passionate about the long-term health and growth of our industry. He’s proven to be all that and more, and will be a wonderful complement to our Executive Management Team.
Powell will take over leadership of Diamond’s Customer Service and Technical Support teams from Diamond VP Sales & Marketing Roger Fletcher, who will gain time to focus on other areas of responsibility. “With his many years of comic
retailing experience, Chris is uniquely well qualified to be Diamond’s number one customer service and comic shop champion,” said Fletcher. “I look forward to working with Chris in the future to help our customers prosper.”
Before coming to Diamond, Powell was the General Manager and Chief Relationship Officer of the Arlington,TX-based Lone Star Comics retail chain and mycomicshop.com. He also served as a founding board member of the ComicsPRO retailer association, and is a past President of the Board of the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund.
“I’d like to thank everyone at Diamond for the opportunity they’ve given me to work to grow and strengthen an industry I love,” said Powell. “Diamond has a history of striving to improve its service and support its customers, and I look forward to building on those efforts.”
ABOUT DIAMOND COMIC DISTRIBUTORS (DCD)—Diamond is at the nexus of comics and pop culture. Based in Baltimore, MD, DCD is the world’s largest distributor of English-language comic books, graphic novels, and related pop-culture merchandise, serving thousands of retailers worldwide. For more information, visit Diamond on the web at www.diamondcomics.com.
© 2013 Diamond Comic Distributors, Inc. All rights reserved. Diamond, the Diamond logo, and Diamond Digital, are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Diamond Comic Distributors in the United States and/or other countries. All other trademarks are the property of their respective copyright owners.
