IDW Hires: John Barber Named EIC, Anita Frazier Named SVP Sales & Marketing

In the wake of lots of springtime changes at the company, IDW Publishing have announced that John Barber has been named the company’s new Editor-in-Chief, rejoining the company after two years spent pursuing writing opportunities, and taking over the position previously held by Chris Ryall before his departure for Skybound. Barber was previously a group editor for the publisher.
Anita Frazier also joins IDW as Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing.
Greg Goldstein, President and Publisher of IDW says:

We’re thrilled to bring John back into the fold in this crucial role. His innovative concepts, energy, and scope of vision make him the perfect choice to lead our amazing editorial team into the future. He is by far one of the most well-respected editors in our industry.

Barber adds:

IDW has been at the forefront of pop culture for coming up on twenty years. IDW grew from four guys with a dream into a company with comics, games, TV shows, and digital content, you name it. The company has always evolved with the times — I was a part of that evolution for many years already, and I’m excited to help lead the company into its next phase. I’ve worked with some of the best creators in comics, and I’ve worked on some of the best characters in comics. As Editor-In-Chief, I’m looking forward to being able to bring those together in new and dynamic ways.

Anita Frazier comes to IDW with an extensive background in sales, marketing, market research, and business development. Between 1994 and 2004, Frazier served as Director of Marketing for DC Comics Licensed Properties, Vice President of Sales for Sony Pictures Consumer Products, and Vice President of Sales for Vivendi Universal Games. In 2004, she joined The NPD Group as an industry analyst and assumed the role of Executive Director of Client Development and New Business Development in 2011. Since 2016, she has operated as an independent consultant to companies in entertainment, video games, licensing, toy, and market research industries. Frazier has an MBA in Business Administration from The Anderson School at UCLA.
Goldstein says of Frazier:

Anita’s expertise in brand management originates right here in our industry, with comic book IP that erupted into mass market juggernauts. As the comic publishing home to many of the most recognizable brands in entertainment, IDW is an environment perfectly suited to her expertise. We’re going to see great things develop with our key brands in the coming months with Anita at the helm.

Frazier comments:

I am excited to return to my entertainment roots working with IDW and its array of amazing original and licensed IP,” says Frazier. “I am particularly excited about working with the great team of smart, passionate professionals at IDW. This will be a very rewarding journey.