Diamond Comic Distributors and Alliance Game Distributors owner Steve Geppi has expanded the c-suite of Geppi Family Enterprises, drawing from the management teams of Diamond and Alliance and restructuring management of his two largest companies in the process.  The moves come in the wake of the formation of new parent company Geppi Family Enterprises (GFE) and the appointment of Stan Heidmann as President earlier this year (see “New Lender for Diamond, Alliance”).

The changes create a consolidated management structure above the original companies, most importantly the distribution companies, that manages key functions across the portfolio.

Chuck Parker, formerly Chief Operating Officer of Diamond Comic Distributors, has taken a new role as Chief of Staff for Heidmann, where he will act as a senior advisor and coordinate the execution of GFE’s strategic initiatives.

Dan Hirsch, formerly President and Chief Executive Officer of Alliance Game Distributors, will become Chief Revenue Officer at GFE, expanding his portfolio to include Diamond’s comics business, in which he has experience as owner and manager of comic retail businesses before co-founding Alliance. 

Charlie Tyson, Co-Founder with Hirsch of Alliance and formerly CFO at the company, will become President of Alliance. 

Chris Powell, who joined Diamond in 2013 as Vice President of Retailer Services (see “A New VP at Diamond”), will take a new role as GFE Chief Relationship Officer, in which he will support existing relationships and develop new ones with publishers, vendors, and retailers; and facilitate cooperation between companies in the GFE portfolio.

Tim Lenaghan, who became Vice President of Purchasing at Diamond in 2016 (see “Diamond Promotes Tim Lenaghan”) will be Chief Procurement Officer, directing all purchasing functions for GFE and managing Diamond UK with the local management team. The purchasing functions he manages will include sourcing, supply management, and procurement.

Shawn Hamrick, who became Diamond Vice President of Operations in April (see “Diamond Promotes Shawn Hamrick”) and managed the overhaul and automation of Diamond’s Olive Branch distribution center, has been appointed Chief Logistics Officer.  In that role, he’s responsible for warehouse and logistics operations for all GFE companies. 

Larry Swanson, who with Parker is the sole remaining member of the original five-person management team at Diamond, remains as CFO at Diamond, as VP-Sales and Marketing Roger Fletcher departs (see “Then There Were Two”).

Geppi outlined his vision for the companies in his letter communicating the changes. “My vision for the Geppi family of companies is to remain leaders in the pop culture industry,” he said.  “We will continue to be a company that others are eager to work with and work for.  Our focus will be on investments in our people, infrastructure, and relationships.  I feel a tremendous responsibility to our employees and the industry and believe these investments position both for a brighter future.”