Giant publisher Electronic Arts has named Rod Humble as EA’s executive vice president and new head of The Sims label, replacing Nancy Smith who will manage special new Sims projects before moving into a new as yet unnamed role.

Humble has been with EA and The Sims label since 2004 and before that enjoyed a stint with Sony as vice president of product development for Online Entertainment, heading up the EverQuest studio.

CEO of Electronic Arts John Riccitiello enthused: "Like Nancy Smith before him, Rod Humble has demonstrated strong leadership in defining EA's The Sims brand as a stand-alone product label. Rod has great creative instincts, uncompromising quality standards, a deep connection with the player community, and most of all, the respect of the team he works with.”