November 2023 Games Industry Roundup: Key Appointments and Moves

The games industry has seen a series of significant appointments and transitions in recent times. To help keep track of these developments, we have compiled a roundup of the key moves. For companies looking to share their own appointment news, please submit the details to newhires@gamesindustry.biz. Recently, Riot Games announced that Marc Merrill has taken on the role of chief product officer, overseeing the company's overall product strategy across its titles. Merrill previously served as president of games at Riot. In a statement, CEO Dylan Jadeja said, "Our goal is to double-down on our mission for players and continue our evolution from delivering games as a service to bringing games as an experience to players." Two former Rockstar employees, Michael Unsworth and Lazlow Jones, have joined Dan Houser's new studio, Absurd Ventures. Unsworth, who co-wrote the Red Dead Redemption series and contributed to GTA 4, 5, and LA Noire, has taken on the role of head of story and creative management. Jones, known for his work as a writer, director, and producer at Rockstar, as well as his voice acting roles, has joined as executive producer and founding member. Absurd Ventures was officially announced in June 2023, following Dan Houser's departure from Rockstar in 2020. Blumhouse Games has appointed Jo Lammert as production lead and Clint Brewer as technical director. Lammert was previously director of release management at Private Division, while Brewer served as senior expert core engineer at Sledgehammer Games. Bonnie Jean Mah, former narrative director at The Coalition, has joined Sony's Santa Monica Studio in the same role. Her specific project has not been disclosed. Mah has worked on various titles, including Warhammer 40,000, Gears of War, and Age of Empires 4. Joel Edström has been named platform strategy head at The Gang, where he will focus on expanding the company's gaming operations and user-generated content presence. Edström brings experience from his time at Viaplay Studios Animation and Modern Times Group. Donald Mustard, former chief creative officer at Epic Games, has joined AGBO, the production company of Anthony and Joe Russo, as a partner. Mustard's game credits include Fortnite, Shadow Complex, and the Infinity Blade series. Microsoft has appointed Alan Hartman as head of Xbox Game Studios, following his previous role as vice president of Turn 10 Studios. Hartman has been with Microsoft for over 15 years and has worked on titles such as Forza Horizon 5 and Sea of Thieves. Spatial has named Charles Ju as head of gaming, where he will leverage his experience in the industry, including his time as CEO of Sessions's music platform. Ju has worked on mobile titles such as Battle Camp and Beat Fever. Craig Chapple has been appointed head of content at PocketGamer.biz, bringing over 12 years of experience in the games industry, including his time as senior editor at the publication. Chapple said, "I'm excited to be back in the world of journalism, working with the talented team to provide breaking news, interviews, and analyses." Shannon Gerritzen has been promoted to head of publishing at IllFonic, where she will focus on growing the company's publishing department. Gerritzen previously served as vice president of marketing and communications at the game publisher. Inverse has hired Shannon Liao as its new deputy gaming editor, who brings experience from her time as a tech reporter at The Verge and staff writer at The Washington Post's gaming vertical Launcher. Logitech has named Hanneke Faber as its new CEO, effective December 1, who brings a decades-long career as a business executive across various firms and market sectors. Flashbulb Games has appointed Pim Holfve as its new CEO, replacing company co-founder Rune Dittmer. Holfve previously served as CEO at Avalanche Studios and has experience as a board member at several companies.