The new big name and EA HQ will lead EA’s global publishing organization, corporate communications and government affairs, as well as the online, central development and technology teams. Pleasants begins immediately and reports to EA CEO John Riccitiello.

EA is billing its new big cheese as ‘a leader in consumer marketing, online, and technology’, and he has previously served as president and chief executive officer at Revolution Health Group, president and chief executive officer at Ticketmaster and within key consumer marketing roles with Frito-Lay. He also has a long track record as an investor in, and serving as an advisor to, various privately-held companies.

“John's experience as a business operator, his knowledge of online consumer relationships and his ability to lead large global teams will be a big asset to EA,” said Riccitiello. “He will be a close partner to me and to the executives that lead our four labels.”

“This is a phenomenal opportunity and there’s no better time to be joining EA,” said John Pleasants. “John Riccitiello and the team at EA have laid out the right plan to take EA forward by building innovative products, expanding digital revenues, and extending its strengths in global publishing. I'm excited about the challenge of leading these initiatives and working with this talented team.”