Diamond Book Distributors has gone outside for new leadership, hiring Tony Lutkus from Penguin Random House as its new President, the company announced.  Lutkus has 25 years of experience in the book business, including the last seven years at Penguin Random House and a long stretch in a variety of roles at Hachette.  His most recent position at PRH was Senior Director, Marketing & Imprints Sales, International, and much of his career has been devoted to developing international markets. 

Josh Hayes, who ascended to Executive Vice President and head of Diamond Book Distributors in 2017 (see “Josh Hayes New Head of DBD”), will continue in his role and report to Lutkus.  Lutkus will take his new position on August 16.

Diamond Book Distributors has suffered a string of publisher client losses in recent years, including four to Simon & Schuster just this year (see “Two More Comic Publishers Sign with Simon & Schuster”).

Diamond Comic Distributors President Chuck Parker extolled Lutkus’ experience. “He brings a stellar track record in the publishing industry as well as the background and expertise to help propel DBD into the next phase of growth,” Parker said of the hire.