Industry Roundup: Key Appointments in May 2024

Keeping track of the latest developments in the gaming industry can be challenging, which is why we've compiled a roundup of recent appointments and transitions. To have your company's updates included, please send details to newhires@gamesindustry.biz. My.Games has expanded its premium games division with the addition of Mario Gerhold as global brand and marketing director, and Jan-Eric Lauble as creative director. Gerhold brings over two decades of industry experience, including leadership roles at CDV and marketing teams for Plaion's Deep Silver publishing label. Lauble previously worked in development and publishing for Deep Silver, leading game design on franchises like Metro, Dead Island, and Saints Row. Sue Madden has been appointed executive director of the ESA Foundation, having previously served as interim executive director. Madden's background includes roles at the Garnett Foundation and BAE Systems, as well as leading her own philanthropic consulting firm. In a statement, she expressed her privilege in leading the Foundation's efforts to support emerging talent in the industry. The IMIRT has named Colm Larkin as its first CEO, who will begin his new role in June. Larkin founded and directs Dublin-based studio Gambrinous and has championed the Irish games community. Adrien Cho has returned to Xbox as senior external development manager, focusing on supporting the company's external development needs. Cho previously worked at Xbox Game Studio's 343 Industries for 12 years and later headed production at Snapchat. Game developer Fingersoft has announced several appointments to its executive team, including Mikko Kirmanen as director of growth, Jonathan Massey as director of game products, and Pasi Brännlund as director of technology. Maria Burns Ortiz has been appointed executive director of Global Game Jam, overseeing opportunities to expand the organization's partnerships. Blind Squirrel Games has appointed Steven Escalante to its board of directors, bringing his experience in supporting the company's strategic business operations. Sandsoft has expanded its team with the hiring of Javi San Juan as lead game designer and Saad Alshmrani as marketing artist. Astragon Entertainment has appointed Jan Kuhlmann as its head of marketing, who brings experience from Xsolla and Ubisoft. Space Ape has named Derek De Filippo as its new business development and publishing head, who previously served as marketing lead at the game studio. Limbic Entertainment has announced several new appointments, including Janine Bertet as principal concept artist, Martin Hamberger as senior writer and level designer, and Frieder Mielke as senior programmer. Room 8 Group has hired Laura Lilley as its new chief operating officer, who has held executive positions at multiple firms. Johan Gästrin has been appointed as chief technology officer at Resolution Games, who originally joined the developer in 2021 as head of technology. Skybound Entertainment has made new appointments to its leadership team, including Gregg Sulak as chief financial officer and Will Kassoy as head of consumer strategy.