David Darling confirmed as Chairman of Codemasters
Codemasters, a leading developer and international publisher of computer and video games, today announced that David Darling has been appointed Chairman of the Board of Codemasters Group Ltd.
Having launched Codemasters 18 years ago with brother Richard and father Jim, David (36) takes over as Chairman from Jim, who remains on the Board of Directors.
With over 20 years experience in the computer and video game industry and a past winner of the UK Entrepreneur Of The Year, which recognised his work with Codemasters, David is passionate about video gaming as a constantly evolving entertainment platform:
"We have a global audience of players, the growing worldwide retail market value currently exceeds $16billion per annum and I'm immensely proud of Codemasters' growth, achievements and position in the industry.
A focus for David will be expanding Codemasters' reach across the current and future gaming platforms. As Chairman, David recently signed agreements to bring Colin McRae Rally, a flagship brand for the company, to the mobile gaming audience. Deals with Nokia for its N-Gage platform and mobile game publisher Digital Bridges will see mobile editions appear alongside the traditional console and PC versions of Colin McRae Rally 2005, due this September.
"Codemasters is an innovative company and my mission is to get games to people, whatever entertainment platform they choose for gaming," says David.
"We have the initiative to take the market by the throat ââ'¬â we are out to entertain and excite, I'm still loving it and am thoroughly ambitious for Codemasters' future."
David will also direct the strategic growth, development and performance of the company, while leading its Board of Directors.
"Codemasters will continue to grow through investment in our most successful franchises and the new brands that are being created specifically to take the company forward onto future generation gaming formats," explains David.
Codemasters is one of the strongest privately owned companies in the computer and video game industry with an annual turnover in excess of $100 million. The company owns key gaming brands including Colin McRae Rally, TOCA Race Driver, Operation Flashpoint, LMA Manager, and the Club Football range of official team-specific games.
The company is headquartered in the UK with dedicated publishing and marketing operations in the US, France, Germany, Spain and Benelux. The company also distributes and markets its portfolio of PC and console video games to over 70 countries worldwide. More information about the company can be found online at www.codemasters.com
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CODEMASTERS CORPORATE BROCHURE
Codemasters corporate information can be accessed online at: www.codemasters.co.uk/corporate
ABOUT CODEMASTERS
Codemasters is a leading developer and publisher of best-selling interactive entertainment products for a global audience on current and future gaming platforms and channels. Established in 1986, the company's dominant brands include Colin McRae Rally, TOCA Race Driver, LMA Manager, the Club Football range and Operation Flashpoint. The company is headquartered in Southam, Warwickshire UK and maintains European operations in Germany, France, Spain, and Benelux. The company has its US headquarters in New York. More information about the company and its products is available online at http://www.codemasters.com