Wheelwright out as Darling takes the reins at Codemasters

Company founder David Darling is to take over as CEO at British publisher Codemasters after current incumbent Nick Wheelwright resigned today after only three months in the role.

The publisher said today in a statement that eleven-year company veteran Wheelwright, who was promoted to the CEO role last October, is departing "to spend more time with his new family and pursue other business interests."

David Darling will be moving into the CEO position effectively immediately, and will also continue to act as chairman of the privately held company, which was founded by the Darling family.

In a brief public statement on his new role, Darling compared the situation to the return of Steve Jobs to Apple, which reversed the company's fortunes and led to the development of hugely successful products such as the iMac and iPod ranges.

"I'd like to thank Nick for all the really great work he has done here and wish him and his family the very best," Darling said in the statement. "Although I am sad to see him leave, I am also very excited about creating a new chapter in Codemastersâ history — evangelising innovation, creativity and quality."

"As a founder of Codemasters the analogy in my mind is Apple, which under Steve Jobs, with iPod and iTunes, has shown how successfully a technology company can be re-invigorated by a founder," he continued. "I remain very passionate about this company and the games industry. I am fully committed to continuing Codemastersâ success, building on our established brands and introducing innovative IPs, making the next few years very exciting."