Keeping up with the constant flow of hires, promotions, and departures in the video‑game sector can be a real challenge, which is why we publish periodic round‑ups that gather all the notable moves in one place. If you know of any recent appointments or transitions that belong in this list, please forward the name of the individual, the new title and company, as well as the previous role and employer to newhires@gamesindustry.biz.
Amir Satvat has been appointed as a general partner at 1Up Ventures. Prior to this, Satvat held the position of Business Development Director at Tencent Games, where he was responsible for forging strategic partnerships and expanding the publisher’s portfolio. In addition to his corporate experience, he founded and currently leads Always Supporting the Games Community (ASGC), an initiative that helps job seekers navigate the gaming industry and connect with potential employers.
"I wanted a role where the impact of my work could be felt more directly, where I could collaborate with a team to help people get back to work," Satvat explained. "My goal has always been to turn more individuals' aspirations of creating games into reality. I also wanted to focus on smaller studios because I have a genuine passion for indie‑scale projects, and I thrive in environments that prioritize community above all else." He continued, "My final wish was to join colleagues who share the same values and integrity that I strive for.
Accepting 1Up’s invitation feels like the realization of all those wishes." Satvat also praised 1Up Ventures, stating, "1Up is a pivotal player in the broader games ecosystem, and I am committed to ensuring its distinctive approach to game investing endures for as long as possible." In other news, Ilari Kuittinen, co‑founder and former Managing Director of Housemarque, has stepped down after an impressive 31‑year tenure. Kuittinen co‑established Housemarque in 1995 alongside Harri Tikkanen by merging their respective studios, Bloodhouse and Terramarque. Under his leadership, Housemarque grew from a modest Finnish developer into a globally recognised studio known for its high‑octane arcade titles. Reflecting on his career, Kuittinen said, "Looking back, I feel immensely fortunate.
We were in the right place at the right time throughout three decades of extraordinary industry growth, which allowed us to stay fiercely independent for 26 years before ultimately joining the PlayStation Studios family." He added, "We have been planning this leadership transition carefully behind the scenes. On July 1, Sami 'Haxu' Hakala officially stepped into the Managing Director role, and I have continued supporting him and the leadership team until today to ensure complete operational continuity and stability. Housemarque’s strategy and creative vision are in exceptional hands." Tamara Feiman has been promoted to Chief Executive Officer of Lion Studios, the publishing arm of Tripledot Studios. Feiman’s journey with Lion began in 2020 when she joined as the EMEA Business Development Lead and later advanced to Publishing General Manager.
Over the past six years, she has overseen the company’s most significant successes, navigated challenging periods, and guided transformative initiatives. "I joined Lion six years ago," Feiman remarked.
"Since then, I’ve had the privilege of growing alongside the company through its biggest successes, challenges and transformations. What has always made Lion special is how we work with our partner studios.
Together, we’ve taken risks, learned quickly and turned great ideas into games played by millions." She emphasized the collaborative nature of the organisation: "Lion has never been about one person. I’m fortunate to work alongside an incredible team across publishing, growth, product, engineering and market intelligence, as well as our talented studio partners around the world." Additional appointments include Heather Sangria, who has joined Sega of America as Community Manager.
Sangria brings experience from her previous contract role as Social Strategist and Community Lead at One More Game, as well as a stint at Undead Labs where she handled digital strategy and community management. Emily Rose Chen has earned a promotion to Senior Product Manager for the Call of Duty franchise at Activision Blizzard.
Chen originally entered the company as a financial analyst in 2020, later transitioning to product management before rising to this senior position. Similarly, Scot McCarron has been elevated to Senior Director of Product Management for Call of Duty at Activision Blizzard. McCarron joined Activision in 2018 as a Product Marketing Manager for emerging franchises, subsequently moving into product management and now overseeing senior-level responsibilities for one of the industry’s flagship titles. These movements illustrate the dynamic nature of talent flow within the gaming sector, where seasoned professionals often shift between development, publishing, and community roles, bringing fresh perspectives and driving innovation across the ecosystem.
The continued emphasis on community‑first approaches, as highlighted by Satvat’s and Feiman’s statements, signals a broader industry trend toward fostering stronger connections between developers, publishers, and players. As studios grow and investment firms like 1Up Ventures expand their portfolios, the interplay between creative vision and strategic funding will likely shape the next wave of game development, especially for smaller, indie‑focused teams seeking both financial backing and mentorship.
Staying informed about these personnel changes helps industry observers understand where expertise is concentrating and which companies are positioning themselves for future growth. Whether it’s a veteran like Kuittinen handing over the reins after three decades, or rising stars such as Sangria and Chen stepping into senior roles, each appointment contributes to the evolving tapestry of the global games landscape.