MCV/DEVELOP News, events, research and jobs from the games industry
In MCV’s latest rundown of the industry’s hottest vacancies and biggest personnel news, there have been several changes made to the upper echelons of platform holders Sony and Microsoft.
EXECUTIVE SHUFFLE FOR XBOX AND PLAYSTATION
Jonathan Grimes (far left) has rejoined the team at Xbox UK as retail sales and marketing director.
He joined Xbox UK in 1996 and previously worked for the company’s sales division, but left in 2009 to take care of Microsoft’s emerging markets business.
Grimes replaces former regional Xbox director for Northern Europe Neil Thompson (left), who has been promoted to lead Microsoft’s new Consumer Channels Group (CCG). This group unites all of the firm’s physical consumer products, incuding Windows PCs, Windows Phones and Xbox 360 into one organisation.
Meanwhile, over at Sony, former Asda entertainment boss Fergal Gara (right) has been hired as new VP and managing director of Sony Computer Entertainment UK and Ireland. He replaces Ray Maguire who left the platform holder in April, and starts his new role in October.
While at Asda, Gara guided the grocer to signficantly increasing the firm’s presence in the video games market, even bagging the firm an MCV Industry Excellence Award for best supermarket in 2010.
Click here for the full details of Grimes and Thompson’s new roles.
You can find more on Gara’s appointment by clicking here.
TOP FIVE VACANCIES – week ending September 2nd
THQ – Sales Director, UK and Ireland
Warner Bros – Manager, Sales Analysis EMEA
Infinite – Google Brand Ambassador for Chromebooks
Sony Computer Entertainment Europe (SCEE) – European Product Manger
THQ Asia Pacific – Senior Product Manager, Core Gaming (THQ APAC)
For more vacancies, head to MCVUK.com/jobs.
PERSONNEL NEWS
INTENT MEDIA – Chapple, Terrelonge hired as staff writers
The MCV publisher has hired two new staff writers to its leading technology publications. Develop has hired Craig Chapple (right) as staff writer, while Zen Terrelonge (far right) also joins Mobile Entertainment as staff writer.
Chapple joins as previous staff writer Stuart Richardson returns to university. Terrelonge has previous experience running his own entertainment blog Zentertainment Weekly.
Develop editor-in-chief Michael French added: We’re delighted to welcome Craig to the team. He will provide instrumental support for the Develop magazine and its website www.develop-online.net.”
Tim Green, executive editor of Mobile Entertainment, added: These are exciting times for ME. It’s great to be expanding the editorial team and I’m very pleased to welcome Zen on board. He’s young and eager and he has an unforgettable name.”
GAMESPOT UK – Video team expands with new hires
The website has appointed Cameron Robinson as junior video producer and Sarah Lynch?as editorial video assistant.
Robinson previously ran his own business producing videos, motion graphics and podcasts, as well as casting calls and competitions for IGN and Lucky Dog Films.
Both will be updating GameSpot UK with video content and promoting it through social media.
I plan to become some sort of sea sponge in an attempt to absorb as much information, hints and tips as possible,” said Robinson.
KING.COM – New EMEA sales VP crowned
Gilles Store has joined social games firm King.com as vice president of sales for EMEA.
He joins from RockYou, a social games developer, and has worked for AOL, BBC Worldwide, National Geographic Channel and more.
King.com is building on its leadership in the casual social games space to capitalise on the various touchpoints where consumers are most engaged via its cross-platform initiatives,” said Mark Charkin, EVP of global business development and advertising sales.
We are excited to have Gilles on our team and look forward to continuing our growth for fans and advertisers on Facebook, mobile and other gaming platforms.”
Send news of your new hires and promotions to james.batchelor@intentmedia.co.uk
