Gardner takes CEO role at Infogrames

Infogrames has appointed former EA exec David Gardner as CEO of the group, as Patrick Leleu, chairman and CEO, resigns.

Gardner now faces the task of rejuvenating the troubled company — with key initiatives including establishing an online strategy, assembling a strong management team and cutting costs to return the publisher to profitability.

"David is an entrepreneur, a gaming industry business leader, and has a strong vision for the future of Infogrames. We look forward to his leadership as it enters a new phase of growth," commented Michel Combes, chairman.

Gardner had been with Electronic Arts for 25 years, where he held senior positions as managing director of Europe, vice president of international publishing and eventually COO of worldwide studios.

"I had a dream to work for Atari when I played Star Raiders in 1979. When you form such a powerful emotional relationship with a brand it can stay with you for your entire life," said Gardner.

"My goal is to help rebuild that passion around the company. First, with the employees and then very quickly to spread it virally on the internet to millions of new customers. I have a personal challenge to create a world-class company that is European in flavour but reaches global markets.

"This will take some time of course, but here we have fantastic gaming DNA formed at the birth of the industry, access to creative talent and a company with the working capital to make the necessary investments to realise this vision," he added.