Comic Books

IDW announces restructuring plans and promotions

Davidi Jonas has been named CEO at IDW, along with Mark Doyle and Tara McCrillis promoted to co-publishers.

May 3, 2023

Press Release

IDW Media Holdings has revealed strategic organizational restructuring today after it was revealed last week that a third of their staff was let go. Today we’ve learned Davidi Jonas has been named CEO and Joshua Frankel as CDO, and Mark Doyle and Tara McCrillis have been promoted to Co-Publishers. Amber Huerta has been named COO, and Jamie S. Rich has is now Editor-in-Chief. In 2021, Rich moved to IDW after serving as Editor in Chief at Tapas.

In the press release sent to AIPT, IDW said they are “committed to fostering meaningful and abiding connections with fans of the titles and creators that IDW has the privilege of helping bring forth to the world.

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“We have a streamlined, integrated organization with an awesome new leadership team,” said Davidi Jonas, new CEO of IDW. “We are working toward robust profitability, alongside superior marketing, sales, licensor relations, as well as best-in-industry terms for creators, increased live and digital fan engagement, novel play modalities, and continued (and elevating) dedication to authentic, engaging storytelling and entertainment. I have, thank God, had tremendous fortune in my young career, and have a track record of creating value, and with the blessing of an amazing team of colleagues, I guarantee that IDW will embody a spirit of fun & excellence.”

Meanwhile, Doyle’s new role gives him more responsibility after being brought on in 2021 to run the Originals line of comics. His previous gig was as DC executive editor, including overseeing Batman.

Mark Doyle, Co-Publisher added, “I’m grateful for the opportunity to step into this new role with IDW Publishing. I have an amazing partner in my Co-Publisher, Tara. The publishing world has a dearth of super talented people who work so hard behind the scenes—the unsung but incredibly deserving heroes of our industry—and Tara is one of the best. The new leadership team is passionate about the storytelling we create, and we have an incredible lineup of books planned—I’m thrilled to help share these stories with the world.”

For more on this news, read the official press release below.

SAN DIEGO, CA – May 3, 2023 – IDW Media Holdings, Inc. and its IDW Publishing unit, announced today a strategic organizational restructuring, including the appointment of Davidi Jonas as CEO and Joshua Frankel as CDO, and the promotions of Mark Doyle and Tara McCrillis to Co-Publishers, Amber Huerta as COO, and Jamie S. Rich as Editor-in-Chief.

With IDW Publishing’s recent promotions and restructuring the Company is positioned to maximize its revenue and brand awareness through ambitious sales, marketing, and publicity initiatives, and will continue to grow its presence in the direct, retail, foreign, digital and e-commerce markets – all while maintaining relationships with the best community of creators in the industry.

In particular, IDW is committed to fostering meaningful and abiding connections with fans of the titles and creators that IDW has the privilege of helping bring forth to the world.

“We are fans ourselves,” said Joshua Frankel, Chief Digital Officer of IDW, “and we know how important it is to connect with our fans and give them deep, varied, and meaningful engagement with the stories and creators they love. IDW knows that to be connected we must meet our fans where they are at, and our plans for digital innovation are aimed at giving our fans the delight and attention that we would want as fellow travelers.”

“Mark’s tireless dedication and vision have been integral to IDW’s growth and success, and I am thrilled for this opportunity to partner with him on our publishing efforts,” said Tara McCrillis, Co-Publisher. “Together with our amazingly talented editorial and design teams, we will continue to elevate IDW’s creative output and strengthen our relationships with partners, retailers, creators, and fans.”

In addition, IDW announced the appointment of Jamie S. Rich as Editor-in-Chief. Jamie brings a wealth of editorial experience and will lead the unparalleled editorial team in a spirit of collaboration, timeliness, and delightfully authentic and engaging storytelling.

“I am honored to lead such a talented Editorial team,” said Jamie Rich, EIC. “I look forward to helping shape the future of IDW’s editorial offerings by collaborating with Mark, Tara, and the rest of the leadership team to deliver amazing stories to our readers.”

IDW has an incredible history of partnering with the biggest and most beloved brands in the world such as Paramount, Nickelodeon, CBS Studios, Hasbro, Wizards of the Coast, and Toho, and to publish fan-favorite series such as Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Star Trek, My Little Pony, Godzilla, and Dungeons and Dragons. IDW’s strategic vision for the future underscores its commitment to its partners and its belief in the power of storytelling to entertain, inspire, and connect people around the world to the stories they love.

“We are privileged to work with such incredible partners and do not take for granted the opportunity to bring iconic and beloved franchises to life,” added Davidi Jonas. “We know that our success is possible because of great partners, and we are committed to continually earring their trust and support for years and decades to come.”