April 2026 Jobs Roundup: Frederik Hammes Takes the Helm at Gamescom Organizer

Staying on top of the latest appointments and departures in the games industry can be a challenge, which is why we compile the key updates in our regular roundups. If your company has recent appointments or transitions to share, please send the details to newhires@gamesindustry.biz. Frederik Hammes has been named managing director of Game Events GmbH, the company behind Gamescom, replacing Stephan Reichart, who is stepping down to pursue new projects. With over 20 years of industry experience, including senior roles at Travian Games, Hammes is well-equipped to lead. Reichart will provide support during the transition period until Gamescom Dev concludes in August 2026. Hammes stated, "This year, Gamescom Dev is being revamped with a new format, featuring a fresh name and tighter integration with Gamescom, the world's largest gaming event. Following significant growth, the time is ripe to elevate the conference and boost its international profile. As developer conferences worldwide undergo significant changes, this presents a unique chance to set new standards through clear focus and renewed momentum. I look forward to shaping this next phase with the team." Game managing director Felix Falk added, "Stephan Reichart is a respected figure in the German games industry, leaving a lasting legacy through his passion and commitment. Over several decades, he played a pivotal role in shaping the conference landscape, first through his own event companies and later as managing director of Game Events GmbH. Under his leadership, Gamescom Dev has become a premier event for game developers. His extensive network, innovative approach, and dedication have been instrumental in establishing Game Events GmbH in its current position. On behalf of the association, I would like to express our sincere gratitude for his outstanding contributions." Rovio has appointed Smith Dela Pena as performance marketing lead for Angry Birds Dream Blast, where he will oversee acquisition strategy, manage budgets, and coordinate cross-channel execution. Dela Pena previously held roles at Mega Studio, Gameloft, Funstage, and Playlab Games. Yolanda Zhang has joined Blizzard Entertainment as senior product manager for Diablo Immortal. "I feel extremely fortunate to have moved from one dream company to another, and although the past year was challenging, I am grateful to everyone who supported me. I am one lucky person," said Zhang. Previously, she held senior product manager roles at Scopely, Kongregate, Monarc Game Labs, and NHN Entertainment. Unreal Engine co-development studio CodeDev has named Andy Norman as COO. Norman previously served as studio leader in the Keywords Create Division and joins recent hires, including technical director Steve Bedford and design director Liam McDonald. Norman and CodeDev chair Rik Alexander previously worked together at The Multiplayer Group. Norman stated, "This is the third time I've worked with Rik Alexander, and good things always happen. CEO Myke Parrott is equally driven and committed." Norman emphasized the importance of culture and working practices in driving growth. CEO Myke Parrott added, "Rik and Andy have a history of building industry leaders. With our reputation for solving complex Unreal Engine problems, demand has reached a point where we need exceptional operational leadership to manage our growth. Andy is a master of nurturing culture at scale, making him the perfect fit to help us grow." Tom Goldberger has joined creative communications agency DDA as vice president of gaming. "On the games side, the team and I will specialize in consumer communications for all aspects of gaming, including console, PC, mobile, and gaming hardware," Goldberger said. "Our expertise spans both local and global campaign strategy, press targeting, launch creative ideations, and more." Before joining DDA, Goldberger was senior public relations manager at Square Enix in the UK, where he led over 70 launches in five years. He also held senior PR roles at Ubisoft, Electronic Arts, Premier PR, Red Bull Racing, and Athlon Games.