Keeping up with the constant flow of hires, departures, and promotions in the video‑game sector can be a real challenge, which is why we gather the most noteworthy movements in periodic round‑ups. If you know of any recent appointments or role changes that belong in this list, please forward the name of the individual, their new title and company, as well as their previous position and employer to newhires@gamesindustry.biz. Amir Satvat has taken on the role of General Partner at 1Up Ventures.
Prior to this, Satvat was the Business Development Director at Tencent Games, where he oversaw partnership initiatives and helped expand the publisher’s global footprint. In addition to his corporate experience, he founded and leads the organization Always Supporting the Games Community (ASGC), a platform dedicated to helping job seekers find positions across the games industry. "I wanted a role where I could see a direct link between the actions I take and the impact on a team, especially when that impact translates into people getting back to work," Satvat explained.
"I’m passionate about turning the dreams of aspiring developers into reality, and I felt that a focus on smaller studios—games that I personally love—combined with a community‑first philosophy would allow me to do that." He continued, "My ultimate goal was to collaborate with colleagues who share the same values and integrity that I hold dear. Accepting 1Up’s invitation checks every box on that list." Satvat also praised 1Up’s position in the broader ecosystem: "1Up is a critical player in the games investment landscape, and I’m committed to ensuring its distinctive, founder‑friendly approach 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 launched Housemarque in 1995 together with Harri Tikkanen by merging their respective studios, Bloodhouse and Terramarque. Over three decades, the studio built a reputation for high‑quality, visually striking titles and managed to stay independent for 26 years before becoming part of Sony’s PlayStation Studios family. 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 maintain fierce independence for over a quarter of a century before finding a home with PlayStation Studios." He added, "We have been planning this leadership transition behind the scenes for some time. On July 1, Sami ‘Haxu’ Hakala officially assumed the Managing Director role, and I have continued to support him and the rest of the leadership team to guarantee seamless operational continuity. Housemarque’s strategic direction and creative vision are in excellent hands." Tamara Feiman has been appointed 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, later advancing to Publishing General Manager. Her deep familiarity with the company’s culture and processes positioned her as a natural successor.
"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 makes Lion special is the way we collaborate with our partner studios. Together we’ve taken risks, learned quickly, and turned great ideas into games enjoyed by millions." She emphasized the collaborative nature of the organization: "Lion has never been about any single individual. I’m fortunate to work with an incredible team across publishing, growth, product, engineering, and market intelligence, as well as our talented studio partners worldwide." Other notable moves include Heather Sangria’s appointment as Community Manager at 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, bringing a wealth of experience in player engagement and online community building.
At Activision Blizzard, Emily Rose Chen has been promoted to Senior Product Manager for the Call of Duty franchise. Chen began her career at the company as a financial analyst in 2020, later transitioning to product management where she contributed to several key releases before earning this senior title. Similarly, Scot McCarron has advanced to Senior Director of Product Management for Call of Duty at Activision Blizzard. McCarron originally joined the firm in 2018 as a Product Marketing Manager for emerging franchises, later moving into product management on the Call of Duty team, where his strategic insight helped shape the series’ recent direction.
These appointments and promotions illustrate the dynamic nature of talent movement within the gaming sector, highlighting both the emergence of new leaders and the continued growth of seasoned professionals. The industry thrives on fresh perspectives, community focus, and the relentless pursuit of innovative experiences, and these individuals are poised to drive that momentum forward.