It may be troublesome preserving observe of the varied comings and goings within the video games business, which is why we compile them in semi-regular round-ups.
When you have new appointments or transitions in your organization that belong right here, please ship the names of appointees, new function and firm, and prior function and firm to newhires@gamesindustry.biz.
Frederik Hammes | Managing director, Sport Occasions GmbH
Frederik Hammes has been appointed managing director of Sport Occasions GmbH, the organiser of Gamescom. He succeeds Stephan Reichart, who’s stepping right down to pursue new tasks.
Hammes has over 20 years of business expertise, together with senior roles at Travian Video games. Reichart will assist Hammes till Gamescom Dev ends in August 2026.
“This 12 months, Gamescom Dev is launching in a brand new format, that includes a contemporary title and an excellent nearer integration with Gamescom, the world’s largest gaming occasion,” stated Hammes.
“Following robust development in recent times, the time is true to take the convention to the following stage and additional elevate its worldwide profile. At a time when developer conferences worldwide are present process important transformation, this presents a novel alternative to set new requirements via clear focus and renewed momentum. I very a lot look ahead to shaping this subsequent part along with the staff.”
Sport managing director Felix Falk added: “Stephan Reichart is a distinguished veteran of the German video games business whose ardour and dedication have left an enduring mark. Over a number of a long time, he has performed a pivotal function in shaping the convention panorama, first via his personal occasion firms and later as managing director of Sport Occasions GmbH.
“Underneath his management, Gamescom Dev has advanced right into a premier occasion for recreation builders. His in depth community, eager sense for progressive codecs, and private dedication have been instrumental in establishing recreation occasions GmbH in its present place. On behalf of the affiliation, I want to specific our honest thanks for his excellent contributions.”
Smith Dela Pena | Efficiency advertising lead (Indignant Birds Dream Blast), Rovio
Rovio has appointed Smith Dela Pena as efficiency advertising lead on Indignant Birds Dream Blast.
On this function, Dela Pena will oversee acquisition technique, handle budgets, and coordinate cross-channel execution, aligning person acquisition with product and monetisation efforts.
Earlier than becoming a member of Rovio, Dela Pena was head of person acquisition at Mega Studio and held related roles at Gameloft, Funstage, and Playlab Video games.
Yolanda Zhang | Senior product supervisor (Diablo Immortal), Blizzard Leisure
Yolanda Zhang is now senior product supervisor for Diablo Immortal at Blizzard Leisure.
“I’m extraordinarily lucky to have gone from one dream firm to a different, and though the previous 12 months was a problem in itself, I’m tremendous grateful to everybody who supported, guided and rooted for me. I’m one very fortunate individual,” stated Zhang.
Beforehand, she was senior product supervisor at Scopely for over three years and held senior positions at Kongregate, Monarc Sport Labs, and NHN Leisure.
CodeDev appoints Andy Norman as COO
Unreal Engine co-development studio CodeDev has appointed Andy Norman as COO.
Beforehand, Norman served as studio chief within the Key phrases Create Division. He joins latest hires at CodeDev, together with technical director Steve Bedford and design director Liam McDonald.
Norman and CodeDev chair Rik Alexander beforehand led The Multiplayer Group (MPG). Alexander based MPG and managed its sale to Unbelievable in 2019. Norman later turned CEO and oversaw the £76.5 million acquisition by Key phrases Studios in 2023.
“That is the third time I’ve labored with Rik Alexander, and good issues at all times occur,” stated Norman. “CEO Myke Parrott is equally as pushed and dedicated.”
“Expertise has proven me that development is an output of what you place in: the tradition and dealing practices. If you happen to begin off with a aim of hitting a specific margin or income, then that dictates quite a bit concerning the enterprise and the way the relationships with companions function.
“We are going to as a substitute put these companions first: perceive and be invested in success, as they see it. I am speaking about employees in addition to prospects. We are going to goal to get these relationships proper. And that can produce long-term success.”
CEO Myke Parrott added: “Rik and Andy have a historical past of constructing business titans. With our popularity for fixing the toughest issues in Unreal Engine, demand has reached some extent the place we want elite operational management to handle our trajectory.
“Andy is a grasp of nurturing tradition at scale, so he’s the proper match to assist us develop.”
Tom Goldberger | Vp of gaming, DDA
Tom Goldberger has joined inventive communications company DDA as vp of gaming.
“On the video games aspect, the staff and I shall be specialising in client communications for all features of gaming (console and PC), cell, and gaming {hardware},” Goldberger stated about his new function.
“Our experience spans each native and international marketing campaign technique, specialist and mainstream press focusing on, launch inventive ideations, and far more.”
Earlier than becoming a member of DDA, Goldberger was senior public relations supervisor at Sq. Enix within the UK, the place he led over 70 launches in 5 years.
He additionally held senior PR roles at Ubisoft, Digital Arts, Premier PR, Purple Bull Racing, and Athlon Video games.