Aaron ThomasElectronic Art has announced a series of executive changes throughout the
company as detailed in the following press release. Normally I don't post a
straight release, but really, there's no better way to tell the story.
The release:
Effective immediately, Paul Lee will serve as president of EA Worldwide
Studios; replacing Don Mattrick who after a combined 23 years of tremendous
leadership and success at EA and Distinctive Software (EA acquired in 1991), has
chosen to seek other opportunities outside of EA.
David Gardner, will now serve as global Studio Chief Operating Officer.
Leading EA's Publishing organization will be, Gerhard Florin Executive Vice
President of International Publishing and Frank Gibeau, Executive Vice President
of North American Publishing.
"These promotions of Paul, Gerhard, David, and Frank reflect the enormous amount
of talent and depth within our organization," said EA Chairman and Chief
Executive Officer Larry Probst. "Each of these executives has served many years
in our company, developing their leadership skills and proving themselves with
increasing levels of responsibility. I believe this is the strongest and most
capable executive team in our industry."
Paul Lee joined EA in 1991 with the acquisition of Distinctive Software and has
held several leadership positions within the studios, most recently as Executive
Vice President and Studio Chief Operating Officer. He has led EA through
numerous technology transitions and the development of many successful
intellectual properties.
David Gardner — formerly Senior Vice President of EA International Publishing –
will support Paul Lee as Chief Operating Officer of EA Worldwide Studios. In
addition to his responsibilities in the studio, David — a 23-year veteran at EA
— will have oversight of EA Partners and EA Wireless.
Gerhard Florin — formerly Senior Vice President and General Manager of European
Publishing — will expand his portfolio to include oversight of EA Asia. Senior
Vice President and General Manager of EA Asia, Jon Niermann will report to
Gerhard.
Frank Gibeau — formerly Senior Vice President of North American Marketing, who
has been responsible for numerous innovative and award-winning marketing
campaigns — will now be responsible for all aspects of the North American
Publishing Division.
Nancy Smith — former Executive Vice President and General Manager of North
American Publishing, and EA veteran of 21 years will take on a new role within
the Company as EVP and General Manager of The Sims Franchise. The added
organization and executive focus on this most significant intellectual property
will extend the power of this global franchise.
EA also promotes Glenn Entis to Senior Vice President, Chief Visual and
Technical Officer, reporting to Paul Lee. Glenn is an Academy Award winner and
one of the most talented creative visionaries within the industry. As both the
founder of PDI and the head of DreamWorks Interactive when EA acquired them in
2000, he is the perfect person to lead EA's visual and technical teams into the
next generation.
"These promotions and changes also mark the end of an era for EA, with the
departures of Studio President Don Mattrick and Executive Vice President Bruce
McMillan from our executive team," said Larry Probst. "Both Don and Bruce have
made enormous contributions to our company, our industry and to people all over
the world who love games. We look forward to working with them again in the
future."
"As both an independent developer and as an executive at EA, I've had terrific
experiences in interactive entertainment," said Don Mattrick. "Today, EA is
making great progress in developing games for the next generation of console
technology and the company has an incredible bench of executive leaders. This is
an ideal time for me to evaluate the next set of challenges in my career. I wish
everyone at EA enormous success and hope that I'll be working with them again
soon."