Keeping up with the constant flow of hires, departures, and role changes across the video‑game sector can be a daunting task. To make it easier for readers, we publish periodic round‑ups that capture the most notable personnel moves. If you know of a new appointment or a transition that belongs in this list, please forward the individual's name, the new title and company, as well as the previous role and organization to newhires@gamesindustry.biz.
Amir Satvat has taken on the position of General Partner at 1Up Ventures. Before this, he spent several years as the 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, Satvat founded and leads the initiative "Always Supporting the Games Community" (ASGC), a platform designed to help professionals locate employment opportunities within the gaming industry. "I wanted a role where I could see a direct line between my actions and the impact on a team, especially when it comes to getting people back to work," Satvat explained.
"My goal has always been to help turn more developers' dreams of creating games into reality. I also wanted to operate in an environment that focuses on smaller studios, because I have a deep affection for games of that scale, and I value a community‑first culture." He continued, "My final aspiration was to work alongside colleagues who share the same values and integrity that I strive for. Accepting the invitation to join 1Up feels like all those wishes are coming together." Satvat also praised his new employer, stating, "1Up is a pivotal player in the gaming ecosystem, and I am committed to ensuring its distinctive approach to game investment endures for as long as possible." In another significant development, Ilari Kuittinen, co‑founder and Managing Director of Housemarque, has stepped down after an impressive 31‑year tenure.
Kuittinen co‑established Housemarque in 1995 together with Harri Tikkanen, following the merger of their earlier studios, Bloodhouse and Terramarque. Reflecting on his career, Kuittinen said, "Looking back, I feel immensely fortunate. We were in the right place at the right time during 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 planned this leadership transition carefully behind the scenes.
On July 1, Sami ‘Haxu’ Hakala officially assumed the Managing Director role, and I have continued to support him and the leadership team to ensure seamless operational continuity. Housemarque’s strategic direction and creative vision are now in excellent hands." At Tripledot Studios’ Lion Studios, Tamara Feiman has been promoted to Chief Executive Officer. Feiman previously served as Publishing General Manager and began her career at Lion Studios in 2020 as the EMEA Business Development Lead.
"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 set Lion apart is the way we collaborate with our partner studios. Together we take risks, learn quickly, and turn great ideas into games enjoyed by millions." "Lion has never been about any single individual.
I’m fortunate to work with an extraordinary team spanning publishing, growth, product, engineering, and market intelligence, as well as our talented studio partners around the globe," she added. Additional personnel updates include Heather Sangria, who has been appointed Community Manager for Sega of America.
Sangria previously worked as a contract social strategist and community lead at One More Game and held a digital strategy and community management role at Undead Labs. Emily Rose Chen has earned a promotion to Senior Product Manager for the Call of Duty franchise at Activision Blizzard. Chen originally joined the company as a financial analyst in 2020 before moving into product management and climbing the ranks.
Similarly, Scot McCarron has been elevated to Senior Director of Product Management for Call of Duty at Activision Blizzard. McCarron first arrived at Activision in 2018 as a Product Marketing Manager for emerging franchises and later served as Director of Product Management on the Call of Duty team before receiving his new title.
These moves underscore the dynamic nature of the gaming industry, where talent frequently shifts between studios, publishers, and venture firms, driving innovation and shaping the future of interactive entertainment.