Marvel has shaken up its comics publishing unit.
The Disney division has promoted Brad Winderbaum, already its chief of television and animation, to head of Marvel television, animation, comics and franchise, Marvel has announced.
At the same time, David Abdo will segue from Disney to serve as Marvel’s general manager, comics and franchise, reporting to Winderbaum.
With the new top leadership coming in, that means that Dan Buckley, the longtime Marvel Comics topper, is departing. Buckley will remain at Marvel through mid-2027 to support the leadership transition.
The leadership change is, in some ways, a long time coming. Marvel Studios chief Kevin Feige added publishing to his portfolio in 2023 and observers have been waiting for him to put his imprint on the comics side of the company. And the change comes after Marvel ceded its position of comics market share leader for the first time this century, losing it to historic rival DC and the runaway success of its Absolute Universe line. DC also dominated the industry’s Eisner Awards which were announced last week.
According to Marvel, Winderbaum will oversee the creative direction of Marvel’s publishing portfolio, as well as Marvel’s global brand and franchise efforts, in addition to his current role overseeing television and animation. C.B. Cebulski, Marvel Comics’ current editor-in-chief, will report to Winderbaum.
“Brad’s exceptional creative leadership and David’s deep experience in operations and digital innovation will be a powerful pairing as we begin building out the next 90 years of Marvel’s comic book legacy,” said Feige in a statement. “Brad brings a proven ability to lead creative teams and craft ongoing, episodic narratives that resonate with our fans around the world, while David offers a strong track record of operational excellence and strategic growth. I’m excited for what they’ll be able to do together.”
Winderbaum has been with Marvel since the making of its inaugural movie, Iron Man. Moving up the ranks, he took on its live-action and animated series, serving as executive producer on all Marvel Studios shows including Hawkeye, Loki season 2, Agatha: All Along, Daredevil: Born Again, X-Men ’97, and Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man.
Abdo is described as a strategic and results-focused executive with digital expertise and 20-plus years of leadership experience transforming and building media businesses. He was most recently general manager of Disney Music Group, responsible for the day-to-day management of Disney’s global music division.
Buckley acted as Marvel Comics’ publisher and then president of Marvel Entertainment before having the more recent title of president of Marvel comics and franchise. Feige praised the departing exec for his years of service.
“From events like Civil War, Secret Wars, X-Men: Age of Krakoa, and the soon to be released Marvel Midnight imprint, to the expansion into video games, television, animation and more, Marvel’s influence on popular culture expanded under Dan’s leadership, bringing our characters and stories to new fans around the world,” stated Feige. “Dan has left a lasting mark on Marvel’s legacy and on the comics industry, and I’m deeply grateful to him and pleased we will have his full support through this transition.”
