RedOctane appoints Kelly Sumner as new CEO

As RedOctane gears up for the release of likely blockbuster hit Guitar Hero, the California-based publisher has appointed a new CEO - namely former Take-Two boss Kelly Sumner.

Sumner's career in the games industry began in 1978, when he joined Commodore Computers. After a long stint at the company he moved on to Take-Two, where he became CEO and oversaw the global release of Grand Theft Auto III.

"RedOctane is a dream for me," Sumner commented.

"Following a period where I've been in a non-exec role with this tremendously exciting company, I'm delighted to return to the industry I love in a position many would kill for."

RedOctane is to publish Guitar Hero, which comes with a guitar peripheral so players can thrash out tunes, this April. The game has already taken Japan and the Western import scene by storm and is set to prove a big hit in Europe, despite the GBP 49.99 price point.

"RedOctane's plans have excited me like no other company around. In fact, I've not felt this kind of buzz and excitement since Grand Theft Auto III," Sumner said.

"The firm is ambitious, smart and extremely talented and I intend to drive RedOctane to a position of global dominance."