Electronic Arts hires former THQ executive

Electronic Arts has hired Philip Holt, formerly head of studio operations at THQ, to oversee the publisher's Florida subsidiary, according to a report in the Orlando Sentinel.

Holt will take over as chief operating officer at the Tiburon Studio and will work on forthcoming titles in the Madden and Superman series.

The Sentinel noted that a previous connection already exists between Holt and EA - his parents established Manley & Associates in 1982, a development studio which was later purchased by the publishing giant and turned into EA's Seattle base. Holt worked there before joining THQ.

Holt will oversee the hiring of 100 new staff members at the Tiburon studio, which currently employs 540 people. He takes over the role from Ben Noel, who now runs Florida University's Interactive Entertainment Academy.