Following a turbulent 2022, Oni-Lion Forge Publishing continues to rebuild with the announcement of a new senior sales manager joining the company, and the promotion of a longstanding staffer to the role of digital marketing manager.

Announced to coincide with the beginning of ComicsPRO 2023, Oni has revealed that former Third Eye Comics general manager Michael Torma will take on the senior sales manager role, and become responsible for the company’s relationships with distribution partners Diamond Comic Distributors, Lunar Distribution, and Simon & Schuster, as well as the wider retail community. It’s a role he’s well-suited for, given his 15 years of experience at the Eisner Spirit of Retailing Award-nominated Maryland store.

"Adding a veteran comic shop retailer with Torma's depth of knowledge and experience is an invaluable asset for a publisher of Oni's reach and stature," Oni-Lion Forge president and publisher Hunter Gorinson said in a statement. "Torma will be a key addition to Oni's growing and multi-faceted team as we fortify our plans for the future."

Simultaneously to the news of Torma’s hiring, it was announced that Desiree Rodriguez, who’s worked as an editor at Oni-Lion Forge for some years, has been promoted into the position of digital marketing manager, where they’ll work alongside editors and creators to create and manage Oni-Lion Forge’s social media presence.

In a statement, Oni director of marketing Katie Sainz said, “I’ve had the pleasure of working alongside Desiree for many years and I couldn’t be more excited to have her join the marketing team. Desiree’s passion for comics and insightful knowledge of the marketplace will bring depth and nuance to the Digital Marketing Manager role.”

These two moves follow yesterday’s announcement of Sierra Hahn’s hiring as Oni’s new editor-in-chief, and the December arrival of Hunter Gorinson as president and publisher, signaling a scaling back up of the company — which celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2022 — after a period that saw multiple layoffs, including the previous publisher and EVP of creative and business development.

Keep checking Popverse for the latest developments from Oni-Lion Forge Publishing Group.