Diamond Book Distributors, the trade book distribution division of Diamond Comic Distributors, has named Tony Lutkus president, effective August 16.
Lutkus, previously senior director, sales and marketing at Penguin Random House, has more than 15 years experience in senior management in book publishing. Before working at PRH he was international sales and marketing director at the Hachette Book Group. Diamond Book Distributors executive v-p Josh Hayes will continue in his role and will report to Lutkus.
Lutkus said, “I’m excited to lead an expert DBD team uniquely committed to serving publishers’ needs, to strengthening the connection with booksellers, and to reaching readers across the globe."
The appointment of Lutkus as DBD president comes at a time when Diamond Comic Distributors, the largest distributor of comic books, graphic novels, and pop culture merchandise in North America, faces a number of challenges. DCD was forced to shutdown for seven weeks in 2020 during the pandemic, and later DC and Marvel, two pillars of the American comics market, left Diamond periodical distribution for new vendors. Earlier this year, Penguin Random House Publisher Services began distributing Marvel periodical comics in the direct market giving DCD new competition in the direct market, aka the comics shop market, a network of about 2,000 comics shops across the country.
President of Diamond Comic Distributors Chuck Parker said, “I am thrilled to welcome Tony as DBD’s new leader. 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.”
