Rod Cousens leaves Codemasters, becomes new Jagex CEO

UK games industry stalwart Rod Cousens has left Codemasters and taken the job of CEO at Jagex.

Cousens has departed as Codemasters CEO after a ten-year stint with immediate effect. His role will be filled by current COO Frank Sagnier, who joined the company last year.

Rod will oversee the company during a period of expansion in which the studio’s flagship title branches out into the collectable card game genre via the recently announced Chronicle: RuneScape Legends,” Jagex said in a statement.

Meanwhile the tactical online shooter, Block N Load, will bring its strategic combination of construction and marksmanship to the world on 30th April 2015. Away from the public domain, an additional number of games are currently moving through development towards announcement.”

Codemasters has been having a rough time as of late, with news in January suggesting that up to 50 jobs were up for review in the UK office. Some senior staffers have already left the company, which also recently closed its Japanese studio. Indian firm Reliance Big Entertainment acquired a 50 per cent stake in the company in 2010.

It has also been a difficult time for Jagex. Former CEO Mark Gerhard announced his departure late last year, and more recently the company ditched Transformers Universe before the game had even been fully released.

I am honoured, humbled and excited to lead Codemasters through its next stage and we sincerely thank Rod for his many achievements and wish him every success in his new venture.” Frank Sagnier added.

Over the years, Codemasters has built award-winning games and franchises with an amazing pool of talent and the support of its principal shareholder, Reliance ADA. To this day, Codemasters remains an iconic brand and I am committed to making it shine brighter than ever. The industry’s continued growth, driven by the explosion of new platforms and new business models, represents a significant opportunity for Codemasters to expand existing IP and continue to innovate.”