Electronic Arts’ executive VP of international studios David Gardner has been awarded with an OBE in the Queen’s honours list.

Gardner receives the award for his efforts in making the UK an attractive country for creative talent and top games development.

“It is of enormous value to the UK to have such an influential and respected senior level executive speak so openly and regularly about the strengths of the UK’s creative industry,” said the British Consul General in San Francisco Martin Uden.

“David is always quick to highlight the UK as an attractive location for first class development and creative talent.”

Gardner was born in America, but later became a British Citizen. He joined EA in 1983 in a sales and marketing role and helped to set up EA Europe four years later, becoming MD of the department. In 2004, he moved up again to take the role of VP of international publishing, before being promoted to his current role in 2005.

Chairman of the Board of EA Larry Probst said: “We congratulate David on this respected honour. It is a testament to his personal passion for British lifestyle and culture and his remarkable professional achievement for EA and for our industry.”