BOOM! Studios is entering a new phase following a sweeping internal restructuring by its parent company, Random House Worlds. The changes, which include staff layoffs and a broader integration into the larger publishing group, signal a deeper alignment between BOOM! and the Random House Worlds portfolio.
Among those affected by the layoffs are Associate Marketing Manager Anthony Mauro and Executive Editor Kwanza Osafjeyo. The restructuring also redistributes responsibilities across multiple imprints under the Random House Worlds umbrella, which includes Del Rey, Inklore, licensed publishing lines, and BOOM! itself.
The overhaul was outlined by Keith Clayton, Senior Vice President and Publisher of Random House Worlds. Under the new structure, BOOM!’s publishing, operational, and strategic planning functions will be more closely coordinated with the broader group, reflecting a more centralized approach to management.
Despite the integration, BOOM! Studios is expected to maintain its identity as a distinct imprint. Key editorial leadership remains in place, including Editor-in-Chief Andy Schmidt and editors such as Tea Fougner and Sebastian Girner. The company continues to move forward with high-profile projects, including its recently announced Power Rangers reboot.
The restructuring also expands BOOM!’s influence within the parent organization. Its experience in crowdfunding and direct-to-consumer initiatives will now be leveraged across other imprints, with those efforts becoming a larger part of the division’s overall strategy.
Several leadership and reporting changes accompany the shift:
- Michael Kelly will continue to oversee BOOM! as Vice President and Publisher while joining the Random House Worlds leadership team.
- Julie Leung, Vice President and Deputy Publisher of Random House Worlds, will take on oversight of BOOM!’s publishing and operational alignment across the group.
- Bryce Carlson will lead expanded business development efforts across all imprints, focusing on partnerships, licensing, and direct-to-consumer growth.
- Josh Hayes will oversee sales for multiple imprints, including BOOM! and Inklore, while also managing distribution strategies. Marketing and community engagement teams from BOOM! will be integrated into the broader Random House Worlds marketing structure.
- Additional promotions and role shifts across publishing operations, rights management, and marketing reflect an effort to streamline workflows and unify strategy across the division.
The move is not entirely unexpected. Since BOOM! Studios was acquired by Penguin Random House—part of global media giant Bertelsmann—industry observers anticipated closer integration over time. This latest restructuring appears to be a significant step in that direction.
More developments are expected as the new structure takes shape.
English (US) · 