Jobs roundup: New MD for the IGDA Foundation
Updates from Google, GAME Digital and the World eSports Association
It can be difficult keeping track of the various comings and goings in the games industry, which is why we've decided to start compiling them in semi-regular round-ups. If you have new appointments or transitions in your company that belong here, please get in touch.
Jen MacLean has been appointed as managing director of the IGDA Foundation. MacLean brings over 20 years of experience to the industry charity, including time with 38 Studios, Comcast Interactive Media and KickStartHer LLC. She was also a member of the Board of Trustees for the foundation prior to taking this role. "With new consumer platforms like Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality emerging, an explosion in serious gaming, changing monetization models, and increasing discoverability challenges, game development has never had more opportunity or challenge," she said of her new role.
Google's head of Google Play games business development departs. Bob Meese has left the internet giant after eight years to start a new role at Duolingo, a free mobile app that gamifies language learning. "I'm really excited about the growing startup ecosystem in Pittsburgh," he told the Pittsburgh Business Times. "I had been looking at opportunities in Pittsburgh here for a while and then leapt at the one that Duolingo presented."
UK retailer GAME Digital has a new COO. Guy Lister has joined the company as chief operating officer while Charlotte Knight leaves her role as UK retail MD. "GAME Digital has ambitious plans to build and support gaming communities through retail, eSports, local competitive gaming, events and digital solutions. Guy has the experience to lead the continued development of our UK multi-channel offer and drive forward a key pillar of our future growth strategy. I'm delighted to welcome him to the team," commented GAME Digital CEO, Martyn Gibbs.
Ken Hershman is the World eSports Association's new executive chairman and commissioner. "Now is the perfect time for WESA to introduce a dynamic and seasoned Commissioner and we're confident Ken is the right leader to take our organization and sport to new heights," commented Ralf Reichert, WESA Board Director and the MD of ESL. Hershman's previous roles include president of HBO Sports and GM and SVP for Showtime Networks.