Yarnton appointed to Edinburgh Festival exec committee

Edinburgh Interactive Festival organisers have announced a series of key appointments and developments geared at improving the event, notably the appointment of Nintendo UK MD David Yarnton to the executive committee.

Yarnton will join as vice chairman, while former Sony Europe president Chris Deering will remain as chairman, confirmed festival organiser EIGF.

Mark Phillips, a senior partner at Harbottle & Lewis has also been brought on board as a new member of the executive committee, while his company will provide legal services to the festival.

The new directors of the Board were also confirmed as ELSPA chairman Andy Payne, former TIGA vice chairman Jeffrey Meak and Barrington Harvey founder Simon Harvey.

"The appointments to the executive committee are a reflection of the gravitas of Edinburgh Interactive and the desire both ELSPA and TIGA shares along with their respective members to see Edinburgh Interactive develop as a key part of the world's event calendar," said Deering.

"David Yarnton's appointment as vice chair gives us one of the industry's most respected business leaders and is a reflection of Nintendo's commitment to one of the world's leading family arts and culture festivals.

"The Festival has grown year on year and the support it receives each year grows with it, with Nintendo supporting the festival once again this year it serves to reflect this."

"The Edinburgh Interactive Festival is a wonderfully unique and creative environment; there is no other event like it in the world," added Yarnton.

"It brings together everyone with an interest in the culture and enterprise of games and entertainment, coupling a conference with a programme of screenings and family engagement. I am delighted to join Chris Deering in helping the development of the Festival."