Electronic Arts gets new CEO

Nearly three years after leaving the company, John Riccitiello has returned to Electronic Arts to take on the role of chief executive officer.

Riccitiello was formerly president and COO at EA until 2004, when he left to co-found Elevation Partners. He became a managing partner and oversaw the running of Elevation's videogame business, which as of November 2005 included holding company Bioware/Pandemic.

The new appointment will be effective from April 2. Current CEO Larry Probst will remain with EA as executive chairman of the board of directors.

"We're happy to welcome John back as EA's new CEO," Probst said. "His skill and vision as an executive and his experience in our industry have earned him the respect of our employees and shareholders."

Riccitiello added, "Leading EA has always been my dream job and I am truly honored that Larry and the Board have given me this opportunity. This is an extremely well-run company driven by outstanding studio and publishing teams.

"They've also made strategic investments in new platforms and markets that will help extend EA's industry leadership in the years ahead."

In a statement, Elevation congratulated Riccitiello on his new appointment, describing him as "a hugely talented executive" who is "the perfect person to lead EA during this period of dramatic change in the industry.

The statement concluded, "We look forward to continuing work with John and his team at EA."