Report: New Round Of Layoffs At DC Comics Includes Executives With Decades Of Experience
In what is being called a Bloodbath Part 2, another electric boogaloo of firings has reportedly happened at DC Comics and we have the names.
Bleeding Cool reports DC is ending the contracts of some top and veteran employees that have been with the publisher for decades.
The big name out the door is co-Editor-In-Chief/VP/Executive Editor of DC Children’s/Young Adult Michele Wells after only four years.
Wells was feared as on the bubble when her co-EIC Marie Javins was elevated to sole EIC position. Javins’ promotion was major news in the trades and the announcement was taken as a spun narrative distracting from cuts to come.
One other is the Director of Marketing Services Adam Philips who has worked there for 26 years.
Next is Sales Manager Stuart Schreck who has 21 years at DC under his belt plus running a comic book store in the New York market.
Also let go is Fletcher Chu-Fong, an Events Director of 18 years whose time in the industry includes stints at Marvel and Wizard.
Another name is Sandy Yi – SVP of Global Franchise Management for over 9 years. Yi has been a part of the WarnerMedia family most of her career with roles at HBO and Comedy Central.
Following is Lissette Osterloh, after serving as VP of Digital Marketing & Events for seven years at DC. Before that, Osterloh worked 13 years for Warner Bros. Online and Television divisions.
They’ve reportedly informed Group Editor Alex Carr his services are no longer required after two years in his post.
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Bleeding Cool says a total of nine staffers are being released, though no statement has been issued and DC Comics is not commenting nor returning emails.
Equally, the site is struck by the decades of experience belonging to each firing. Combined, they possess a century or more of knowledge and experience.
This is the latest round of companywide releases at Warner/DC. Former EIC Bob Harras, Black Label Executive Editor Mark Doyle, Editor Andy Khouri, Senior Story Editor Brian Cunningham, and others were let go three months back.
And earlier in the year, the sudden firing of Co-Publisher Dan DiDio transpired. He wasn’t the only one as Mark Chiarello, SVP DC Art & Design Director; John Cunningham, SVP DC Sales Trade Marketing; and Eddie Scannell, VP DC Consumer Marketing were given their pinks slips soon after.
WarnerMedia CEO Jason Kilar sent out a memo to employees ahead of layoffs to break the sad news. He emphasized the conglomerate is downsizing and reiterated the prioritizing of HBO Max.
Here is what Kilar’s letter says:
“This is a very painful email to write. And for a number of you reading this, I realize it will be even more painful to receive. For this, I am sorry.
In August, I first shared news about how we were going to meaningfully change the organizational structure of WarnerMedia (which entailed, among other items, simplifying how we organize our entertainment studios, elevating HBO Max, and consolidating our commercial activities into one organization). Many of you have patiently waited to hear how the reorganization would affect you personally, which is both uncomfortable and stressful. Reducing this period of uncertainty was one of the many reasons we pushed so hard to get through this work as quickly and as thoughtfully as possible, although it probably didn’t feel fast enough. I want to thank you all for continuing to contribute your best, despite this challenging period and the additional pressure of everything else that has been going on in the world.
I’ve previously shared how critical it is for us to evolve how we operate in the context of best serving customers. As I mentioned a few months ago, this entails simplifying how we are organized, partnering with the very best storytellers, and leaning into world class product and technology as we share our stories directly with audiences across the globe. Our journey entails continuing to excel in our large, core businesses while at the same time investing in emerging businesses where we have the opportunity to meaningfully delight customers.
Today, we have arrived at a number of difficult decisions that are resulting in a smaller WarnerMedia team. This is a function of removing layers and the impact of consolidating previously separate organizations. Starting today in North America, we will be sharing which jobs are being eliminated and which roles have changed. We are continuing to review proposed changes in other countries across our non-US businesses, the timing of which will vary according to local regulatory requirements. Nothing about this is easy. But please know, these reductions are not in any way a reflection of the quality of the team members impacted, nor their work. It is simply a function of the changes I believe we must make in order to best serve customers. For those impacted, we will be offering severance and healthcare packages, in addition to professional services and team member assistance programs.
While I anticipate that organizationally, things will settle down materially in the weeks and months to come (we’ve worked hard to make this a process with a beginning, middle and an end), I don’t want to suggest that our future is static. Rather, our future is about inventing ever better ways to move the world through story … which entails embracing change. I have every confidence in this world class team to do just that.
To our colleagues who are leaving, I wish there were words to lessen today’s pain. Your contributions are a permanent part of this great company and today’s news does not change that. I am extremely thankful for all that you have done for this team and this mission. I hope that at some point you will look back on all of it with immense pride.
Until then, please stay well and safe.
Jason”
What do you make of these new layoffs?
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