MCV/DEVELOP News, events, research and jobs from the games industry
Ndemic opens new Bristol studio, Kiss appoints new head of finance and Ephraim departs SIE.
Gilman joins Ndemic Creations
Former editor of Future Publishing’s GamesMaster and Official Xbox Magazine Matt Gilman has joined Plague Inc. developer Ndemic Creations as the studio’s new project and community manager.
The role will see him tackle an array of challenges, from managing Plague Inc.’s 85m-strong player base, to taking on PR and marketing duties. Gilman will also step into a producer role on small- to mid-sized projects as they evolve. He joins during a period of growth for Ndemic Creations, as it looks forward to a strong 2017, with several more hires to follow at its new Bristol-based studio.
“As an avid player of the kind of intelligent strategy games that Ndemic is known for, I couldn’t be happier,” said Gilman of his appointment. “James and the rest of the team here are an exceptionally talented bunch and I’m keen to get stuck into this exciting, multi-faceted new role.”
Founder James Vaughan added: “Matt joins us at a really exciting time and brings a lot of experience with him. He will be an integral part of the team as we keep on infecting the world.”
Boote is Kiss Ltd’s new head of finance
Through its relationship with The Digital Funders, Kiss has appointed Mark Boote as non-executive chief financial officer.
Boote is currently managing partner at The Digital Funders and has over 20 years of senior financial experience. Previously he was director of business planning at Codemasters and has been CFO at a number of digital media companies.
With Boote now installed as Kiss’ new head of finance, the move means current COO Peter King will now return to focusing on his more established role of business development, enabling the company to expand into areas offering new revenue opportunities.
“Being able to appoint a person of Mark’s calibre is testimony to just how much Kiss Ltd has evolved and grown over the last four years”, commented Kiss CEO Darryl Still.
Ephraim departs SIE
VP and MD of Sony Interactive Entertainment Australia and New Zealand Michael Ephraim has left the company after 24 years. His departure comes as a result of an internal restructure.
In addition to his history of working with several members of the European games industry, Ephraim was also most recently VP of SIE Europe.
Ephraim said: “To have been involved from the launch of the original PlayStation has been a once in a lifetime experience. I want to thank everyone across the PlayStation family and specifically all the incredible staff that I’ve had the pleasure to work with.”
