Former Empire Europe general manager David Pain has been appointed to head up Blackbean Games’ head office in Milan.

Pain – who has also worked as the sales and marketing director for Virgin UK – takes up the role with immediate effect. His first task will be to oversee the company’s release of SBK-08 Superbike World Championship, which is scheduled for release on all formats in the spring.

Blackbean Games is the publishing brand of Lago Srl, a subsidiary of the Leader group, which also owns the acclaimed developer Milestone. Commenting on his appointment, Pain said:

“Blackbean Games has already enjoyed success with its SBK franchise and Great Battles of Rome. There is an excellent team in place now and we are building strong franchises for the long term, as well as strengthening our local PR, marketing and sales capability.

“We’re looking to acquire interesting and innovative new products and licences as we can provide the focus that the big guys cannot match.”