IDW Publishing is going through a major shake-up. As reported by The Hollywood Reporter, the company is saying goodbye to Chris Ryall. The long-time member of IDW is stepping down as president, publisher, and chief creative officer. Ryall will be launching a new publishing venture of his own.
“Change is often hard, and I will miss this extended family I have worked with for more than 15 years,” Ryall said. “In the past year alone, we brought on some amazing hires, expanded the scope of many of the departments, and re-focused the foundation of the business to best support the integrated multi-media company that IDW has become. Our collective success with the entertainment team on Locke & Key has been a crowning moment for the entire company. I’m so proud of this special place and the incredible people who work here. I know that I leave IDW perfectly poised for continued success.”
Following the news of Ryall’s departure, IDW announced that they have selected industry veterans Jerry Bennington and Jud Meyers as the company’s new President and Publisher, respectively. Rebekah Cahalin, meanwhile, has been promoted to General Manager and EVP of Operations, covering both IDW Publishing and IDW Entertainment.
IDW chairman Howard Jonas said the following; “Chris has been instrumental in IDW Publishing’s success, and we thank him for the passion and commitment he brought to the company,” adding, “With Chris’s departure, IDW will be restructuring and expanding its operations, and we will name a new management team very soon.”
Ryall had been in his position since December 2018, however, he had been with IDW Publishing for many years before that. Greg Goldstein preceded him. Ryall has spent most of his career with the publisher, dating back to 2004 when he took over as editor-in-chief. Ryall is set to remain as an executive producer on the Locke & Key at Netflix, in addition to his role as sole editor on any Locke & Key titles in the future.
Though not as large as Marvel or DC, IDW has carved out a big space in the industry following its launch in 1999. In the more than two decades since, the company has found its niche, working with companies on licensed properties, such as Sonic the Hedgehog, Star Trek, Goosebumps and Transformers, among others. The publisher is also known for producing ambitious crossovers.
So what do you think? Will you miss Chris Ryall’s leadership? Will IDW be the same without him? Join in on the conversation over on Facebook or Twitter.
