Havok appoints new MD
Existing board member David Coghlan to lead award-winning middleware company
Middleware company Havok has appointed David Coghlan as its new managing director, following the departure of the long-serving David O'Meara.
The Irish technology company has won multiple awards for its titular physics engine, which is used in both the games and film industry. Coghlan is an internal appointment, having worked for the company for the last six years in a variety of senior manager roles and on the board of directors.
Prior to joining Havok in 1994 Coghlan was director of corporate strategy for biotechnology company Elan Corporation. He qualified as an accountant in the audit and business advisory group of international firm KPMG.
"Havok is committed to building on our position as the leading provider of games middleware technology. We will continue to invest in innovation to deliver cutting edge solutions to the world’s leading games and entertainment companies," said Coghlan.
"I look forward to leading Havok through the next stage in its growth and I am excited by the opportunity to expand the reach of the Havok product line into new gaming genres, new hardware platforms, emerging geographic markets and adjacent industries," he added.
"Intel is committed to maintaining Havok's status as an independent subsidiary, because it is clear that this structure gives the company the financial and operating independence to continue to innovate and be successful in the games industry," said Renee James, senior vice president, of Intel and chairman of Havok.
"We are excited to see Havok continue to develop and grow through David’s leadership."
Havok was founded in 1998 and acquired by Intel in 2007. The company's technology has been used in almost 270 games, including high profile titles such as Halo 3: ODST, Uncharted 2, Assassin's Creed II and BioShock 2.
Films ranging from Clash of the Titans to Watchmen, Quantum of Solace and The Matrix have also made use of Havok software.