CMO Kathy Govier leaves Diamond; others wish to

The state of New Diamond continues to be a mystery and a mess. Multiple publishers are cancelling orders from them because they haven’t been paid since new owners Sparkle Pop took over on May 16th – marking a significant decline from the bankruptcy period, when business as usual was the policy. Retailers are also being billed for old orders, and this week’s FOC consisted of a measly five titles. We’ll have a deeper dive on all of this in a bit, but almost every current Diamond employee has “open to work” on their LinkedIn page – and given the complete lack of communication from New Diamond you can’t blame them.  

Meanwhile, one of Diamond’s most important execs, Chief Marketing and Communications Officer Kathy Govier has announced she is leaving after five years at the company:

I am moving on from my role as Chief Marketing and Communications Officer.

Over the past five years, I had the privilege of serving in a leadership role across Geppi Family Enterprises — including Diamond Comic Distributors and Alliance Game Distributors — during some of the most challenging and defining moments in the company’s history.

I joined in March 2020, just as the pandemic hit and the company began facing a wave of disruption that would reshape the business and ultimately lead to Diamond’s bankruptcy and asset sale.

Through it all, I’m proud of what my team accomplished. We grew Alliance’s bottom line, launched new eCommerce platforms, produced more than 60 PREVIEWS catalogs, and did everything we could to keep the business moving forward, even as the ground kept shifting. I have deep respect for my team’s grit, commitment, and creativity — and for the many others behind the scenes who gave their all.

Serving this passionate community during such a pivotal time has been an honor. So many people care deeply, speak up, and show up. I’ll carry that spirit with me.

As this chapter closes, I’m focused on the road ahead and looking for what’s next. If we’ve crossed paths, or should have, I’d welcome the chance to connect. You can always find me on LinkedIn.

As noted on her LinkedIn, Govier graduated from the Fox School of Business at Temple University with an MBA and previously worked as Senior Director, Marketing and Brand Activation at WarnerMedia and Director, Marketing and Brand Activation at Turner Broadcasting System. With that strong background, we’re oping she can land safely at a more stable company.