IGDA appoints new executive director

The International Game Developers Association (IGDA) has appointed a new executive director. Joshua Caulfield has been recruited into the role from outside the games industry following a career that has, to date, encompassed a number of senior level positions.

Most recently he held the position of executive vice president and interim executive director for the American Machine Tool Distributors' Association.

"The decision to hire someone from outside the games industry was not taken lightly," said Bob Bates, Chairman of the IGDA. "But when the board examined the challenges we face, we realised our key volunteers already have a wealth of industry knowledge, and what we needed was an experienced association professional to help us manage the organisation to better serve the needs of our SIGs, Chapters, and members worldwide."

Caulfield's new role will involve working closely with the elected board to ensure the organisation - the largest for professional game developers in the world - better serves the development community and continues to grow its membership numbers.

"The games industry is filled with talented people and the IGDA has a position of great importance in representing the development community," said Caulfield. "The opportunity to work with the board and become a greater catalyst in the growth of the association is something that fits perfectly with my experience and capabilities. I’m confident the IGDA will become an even greater organisation over the next several years."

While Caulfield doesn't come from a games industry background, he describes himself as an avid games player - particularly of paper-based role-playing games and World of Warcraft.