Martin A. 'Marty' Stever, a well known figure to retailers in the comics and games industries has been named Executive Vice President of WizKids LLC.  WizKids, which was founded by Jordan Weisman, manufactures the Mage Knight collectible miniatures game, the most successful game launch of the past few years (see 'Top Ten Games'  'December Product of the Month').  Stever will be primarily responsible for sales and marketing. 

 

Marty Stever began his career with Will Neibling & Associates before joining Capital City Distribution where he managed the 'Games Category' before moving up to head Capital's Advertising and Promotions Department, where he oversaw Capital's advertising and coordinated Capital's annual trade show.  Stever followed his Capital experience with stints at Valiant/Acclaim and Wizard, and then returned to school, earning an MBA from the University of Chicago.  Stever was working at Microsoft, when Weisman, who has worked at Microsoft since the software giant acquired FASA Interactive, first approached him about working on what became Mage Knight.  After some intervening side trips, Stever will finally be linking up with WizKids after the company's move to Seattle this month.