Daniel Cherry III Joins WarnerMedia as SVP and General Manager of DC Comics

Daniel Cherry III first discovered the joy of comics from his father, who collected Shazam! oversized graphic novels from the ’70s. Now, he’ll be fulfilling a childhood and professional dream: joining WarnerMedia as svp and general manager of DC Comics.

Cherry, who most recently spent over two-and-a-half years leading Activision Blizzard Esports’ marketing department, will report to Pam Lifford, president of Warner Brothers Global Brands and Experiences. He will also be working closely with the legendary Korean-American illustrator and writer Jim Lee, who has taken on expanded responsibilities as the CCO and publisher of WarnerMedia, DC Comics. Cherry assumes his position effective immediately on Sept. 8.

In his new role overseeing the overall DC Comics brand, Cherry will manage business affairs, manufacturing, editorial, talent services, marketing, sales, brand and direct to consumer, and business development (along with Anne DePies, svp, business strategy, finance and administration).

“It’s truly a career honor to partner with Pam Lifford, and the creative genius of Jim Lee, the amazing team at DC Comics and WarnerMedia to lead this iconic brand and legendary characters into the future,” said Cherry in a statement. “I am standing on the shoulders of giants like Malcolm Wheeler-Nicholson, Bill Finger, Bob Kane, Neal Adams Harry Lampert, and so many others.” As an Ohioan and Cleveland native, Cherry is especially proud to be continuing the legacy of fellow Clevelander Jerry Siegel, who created Superman.

Cherry is a brand innovator and marketing executive with numerous accolades under his belt, including a Forty under 40 distinction from the Sports Business Journal and a Grammy nomination for the song “Classic” (Better Than I’ve Ever Been). As the former CMO at Activision Blizzard Esports, Cherry oversaw the global business, brand and gaming content portfolio. This past June, the University of Pennsylvania graduate was one of the 14 Black leaders in Adweek’s State of Revolt panel. During that virtual event, Cherry mentioned that he, along with his colleagues, spearheaded efforts to use Activision’s platforms and products for education and advocacy. Infinity Ward, the Activision-owned producer of Call of Duty, adopted a Black Lives Matter message on the loading screen.

Cherry’s extensive career in business development, advertising and marketing goes all the way back to 1997, when he began his professional journey as the assistant director of advertising at AND1. Since then, he has held prominent marketing and advertising roles at Crispin Porter + Bogusky, Frank 151, Wieden+Kennedy, Anomaly, the New York Cosmos, Diageo and the New Jersey Devils.  

Now, as an executive at DC Comics, Cherry is hoping to leverage the cultural power of the brand to entertain and inspire a diverse global fan base. “Comics have the power to create unique imagery and narratives that can move the world toward a better, more inclusive version of itself,” he said. “It’s my sincere hope that I am able to contribute and help evolve the brand and its relevance for generations to come.”

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