Interactive entertainment veteran joins IGA's game
Former Virgin Interactive President is appointed to the board
April 4, 2006
IGA Worldwide Inc., the in-game advertising pioneer, has recruited Peter Bilotta as President and Chief Operating Officer. The appointment will capitalise on the company's recent growth momentum as the popularity of the medium continues to expand exponentially across the globe.
Previously President at Virgin Interactive, Bilotta has been fundamental in shaping the games sector, bringing over 20 years of games industry and commercial experience to the role. Prior to his time at Virgin Interactive, he held directorial positions at interactive entertainment software publishers Interplay, Acclaim Entertainment, Mirrorsoft and Activision, publishing some of the most successful games of all time.
At IGA, Bilotta will be expanding strategies and developing business activities on a global basis. Working closely with the CEO and the board, Bilotta will help to further extend IGA's relationships in the publishing and development community.
"In-game advertising is breathing renewed life into the advertising industry by providing a measurable, attractive alternative to TV," said Bilotta.
"This new medium delivers real value for money in terms of coverage and impact, and as consumers swap the remote control for the games console, advertisers are able to reach their key demographic - the young professional with high disposable income."
Bilotta continued: "In addition, as games development costs spiral upwards to cater for new platforms and increased production values, in-game advertising provides a valuable new incremental revenue stream for developers and publishers alike."
"Given Peter's gaming pedigree, this high-profile appointment is a striking endorsement of the in-game advertising phenomenon," said Justin Townsend, CEO at IGA Worldwide. "With our recent funding figures and the predicted growth of the industry - it's expected to reach $2.5 billion by 2010 - we're looking forward to having Peter on board to help continue the momentum we've already generated."
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NOTES TO EDITORS
About IGA Worldwide, Inc. (www.igaworldwide.com)
IGA Worldwide is the global leader in 360-degree in-game advertising solutions, helping brands to achieve measurable results in the world's fastest growing and most engaging new communications medium. Through its proprietary ad serving network, Radial ®, IGA enables advertisers to dynamically target millions of engaged consumers across a broad range of game platforms, titles and genres, whilst its wholly-owned communications consultancy, Hive Partners delivers strategic consulting services and exclusive access to unique integrated product placement and co-promotion opportunities.
Headquartered in New York with offices in London and Berlin, the group is backed by Easton Capital Group, Morgenthaler Ventures and DN Capital. IGA has recently been voted by ad industry-leaders as the 'Breakout Company of the Year 2006' and as a 'Top 100 Private Company' in the media and entertainment sector in the OnHollywood awards.
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