In the radio-edited words of rapper T.I., there are “big things poppin'” here at the Nerdist offices. Or in the words of Pokemon trainers across the Kanto region, “What?! Nerdist is evolving!” You already know that you can find all manner of awesome podcasts, the latest news and analysis on Nerdist.com, and everything from a daily dose of Nerdist News to cosplay to Scott Ian taking you inside Hollywood’s biggest special FX houses on the Nerdist Channel, but now we’re expanding into even larger arenas.
On the dotcom side of things, you’ll notice a couple new changes. Malik Forte, our resident video game expert, is joining our ranks full-time as our Gaming Editor and correspondent on Nerdist News, where he’ll be unlocking achievements and breaking hearts. Longtime Nerdist staffer Perry Michael Simon is stepping down as Editor in Chief and transitioning into the role of Managing Editor. His voice and editorial guidance have been crucial to the development of Nerdist as you know it today, so we are beyond thrilled that he is staying aboard. Brian Walton, who has spearheaded a number of intiativies for us both on the editorial and business side of Nerdist, will be donning the mantle of Editor in Chief and helping to guide Nerdist.com into its next chapter.
Yesterday, we made it official that Nerdist is expanding in a big way by adding some real heavy hitters into our administrative arsenal as well: Adam Rymer is coming aboard as President; Jack Herrguth is joining us as Head of Development to help push us into television, feature film production, and beyond; and Chris Michael has been tapped as Director of Audience Development. They’re an incredibly talented group of people and we couldn’t be happier to be working with them.
Here’s the press release in full:
Nerdist Industries announced today it has hired Adam Rymer as President and Jack Herrguth as Head of Development, a move that signals the company’s building out of its pop culture platform. In his new role, Rymer will be responsible for leading Nerdistʼs efforts in expanding across multiple platforms, setting company priorities and driving revenue growth. In the newly-created head of development post, Comedy Central and CBS vet Herrguth will be responsible for developing and producing content for film, television and digital media. Nerdist Industries also announced the appointment of Chris Michael as Director of Audience Development and the promotion of Brian Walton to Editor in Chief, Nerdist.com. Digital media strategist Michael comes to Nerdist most recently from YouTube MCN Fullscreen where he worked with independent creators and brands to grow their audiences online.
Rymer comes to Nerdist from Lava Bear Films, where he was COO/CFO and executive produced the feature film The Rover (releasing in 2014). Before that he served eight years at Universal Studios Motion Picture Group, most recently as SVP, Universal Pictures Digital Platforms.
At Comedy Central, Herrguth was instrumental in the development of shows like Nathan For You with Nathan Fielder and Nick Swardson’s Pretend Time, and developed a pilot for Nerdist founder Chris Hardwick that was a precursor to Hardwickʼs new late-night show for the network, @midnight. Prior to Comedy Central, Herrguth worked in Alternative Programming at CBS on suchshows as Survivor, Amazing Race and Big Brother.
Walton, who has been editor at Nerdist.com since 2011, has played a large role in evolving the site from its early roots as a blog into a popular news source. In his new role as Editor in Chief, Walton will continue to grow Nerdist as a cited outlet, increase referral and direct traffic, and make Nerdist a destination for news and conversation.
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Thank you all for your continued support and we’re looking forward to taking this next step in nerdiness with you. In the meantime, enjoy your burrito.
Great News. POINTS.
@AceAwesOme…..LOL! Freaking perfect simpsons reference.
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Ummm….am i the only one concerned that The Nerdist corporate offices has a “bullpen”….and that in addition to bulls, it is filled with women?!? It would appear that Hardwick is behind some kind of f@#ked up underground-running-of-the-bulls-at-pamplona situation.
The first rule of Nerdist Running w the Bulls is you do NOT blog about running with the Bulls.
Peace & “Steer”ing clear of Nerdist Fight Club.
3ToF.
I am so beyond excited for you guys (and gals)! I look forward to this amazing many headed beast’s future.
We have a lot of women on staff here at Nerdist. There are more women in our bullpen than men at this point. This round of hiring just happened to be three very talented guys.
As someone who worked at Nerdist when it first started I can say that with every move up they’ve retained the personal connection with us the fans. They Nerdist crew is great! Onto bigger and better things. @John Miller totally agree with the making a AOTS esk show. Nerdist News has that vibe and I know they’re expanding that and plus a lot of the crew of that are former AOTS crew.
@Nerdist — wow, expansion into film. I’m one step closer into seeing my dream job as evil-henchman-with-a-pornstache-#6 coming to fruition. Seriously, congratulations and may the Farts be with you (and don’t ever turn to the dark side).
So true @Scully !
@Courtney I’m sure Chris’s role is to regain some personal time and sanity. I’m sure it’s tough to be super boss of everything and be the public face of a brand. Now Chris can depend on these people to take care of details and development in their respective areas and he can go back to being a benevolent overlord and cheer leader for all things nerdy. I feel pretty confident even with these additions everyone at Nerdist still has a full plate.
Personally, I am pleased to see the Nerdist model becoming a mature media entity. Pretty cool stuff!
I, for one, welcome our new Nerdist overlords
Please make a hour long live show like AOTS (was on G4). I would also love a real computer tech show like The screen savers (tech tv) that will do computer hardware reviews and even Linux coverage!
Love it when a plan comes together. Since the humblest of beginnings, we’ve been with you and huzzah to all for the greatness to come! Allon-sy!
So excited to see Nerdist growing and getting more of the recognition that it so greatly deserves! Keep it going! And I agree with “Fouroffivewits” I want an app!
What will Chris Hardwick’s role be?
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FOOLS! Have you not done your homework???? Has anyone bothered to research and determine the connecting link between all the new execs…..Rymer, Herrguth, Michael and Walton all serve as original board members of Skynet Industries…..in the near future. Dont you people see!?! The Nerdist empire is laying the groundwork for the rise of the machines!!?! First the resistance obtained footage of Chris Hardwick’s involvement in the uprising in the documentary Terminator 3 and his own admission of being a “Mandroid”…..and now this!?! Well I for one refuse to say “Hasta La Vista” to humanity. Join me nerdist bretherin in fighting the good fight against machines!
Of course…there is the possibility that the changes and growth of Nerdist industries will result in even more awesome stuff for we uber-fans…..hrmmm……it doesnt seem like that bad of a trade off for handing over absolute power to our new Robot Overlords…..ok…im in. Welcome Aboard new Nerdist management! Can i get you a Chai Tea Latte? Or perhaps a few quarts of 10W30?
Peace .n. “the plasma rifle in the 50 milliwatt range”
3ToF….Nerdist Life.
Let’s get that fancy Nerdist app Chris wanted up and running next.
Agree with Nina.. Sounds like a sausagefest but very excited that you guys are expanding!
It’s be nice to see these updates and expansions include a few female names. :/
Couldn’t be happier to hear that Nerdist is expanding in all the best ways possible! SO PUMPED to see what the future has in store for this amazing company. 🙂