Keeping up with the constant flow of hires, promotions, and departures across the video‑game sector can be a real challenge. That’s why we publish periodic round‑ups that gather all the noteworthy moves in one place. If you know of any recent appointments or transitions that belong in this list, please forward the name, new title, new company, as well as the previous role and employer to newhires@gamesindustry.biz.
Amir Satvat has taken on the role of General Partner at 1Up Ventures. Prior to this, he was the Business Development Director for Tencent Games, where he oversaw strategic partnerships and growth initiatives. Satvat is also the founder and driving force behind Always Supporting the Games Community (ASGC), an organization dedicated to helping industry professionals locate new job opportunities. "I wanted a role where I could see a direct link between my actions and the outcomes for a team, especially when it comes to getting people back to work," Satvat explained.
"I wanted to help turn more developers' dreams of creating games into reality through my own contributions. I also hoped to operate in an environment that focuses on smaller studios, because I have a genuine passion for games of that scale, and I value a community‑first culture." He continued, "My ultimate goal was to work alongside colleagues who share the same values and integrity that I strive for. Accepting the invitation to join 1Up means those aspirations are finally being realized." Satvat added a broader industry perspective: "1Up plays a crucial role in the gaming ecosystem, and I’m eager to help ensure its distinctive approach to game investment endures for as long as possible." In other news, Lasse Seppänen has announced his exit from Supercell after a seven‑year tenure.
He joined the company in 2019 as a producer and later held several senior positions, including Head of Game Production Services and General Manager of Supercell London. "It’s time for me to return to my passion for creating new game IPs," Seppänen said.
"I’ll remain in the UK, and I plan to launch my own studio in 2027 – more details will follow when the timing is right." Take‑Two Interactive has named Giles Derrington as Director of Global Affairs for the UK. Derrington previously served as Head of Public Affairs for TikTok in the United Kingdom, bringing extensive experience in regulatory and media relations to his new role. At Kepler Interactive, Jess Pearce has been promoted to Senior People Partner. Pearce first joined Kepler in 2022 as a People Advisor and moved up to People Partner in 2024, now overseeing senior talent strategies across the organization.
PlaySimple Games announced the promotion of Shreya Godha to Producer. Godha began her career at the studio as an Associate Producer and has now taken on full producer responsibilities.
Epic Games has appointed Kelly Ekins as Director of Communications. Ekins comes from Unity, where she was Senior Director of Global PR for the Games and Made with Unity program. Prior to that, she led marketing for media and entertainment at Unity after serving as Studio Lead for Game Marketing and Communications at Warner Brothers Games Montreal.
Housemarque co‑founder and Managing Director Ilari Kuittinen is stepping down after a remarkable 31‑year run. Kuittinen co‑founded the studio in 1995 alongside Harri Tikkanen, merging their respective companies 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 throughout three decades of explosive industry growth, which allowed us to stay fiercely independent for 26 years before becoming part of PlayStation Studios." He added, "We have carefully planned this leadership transition 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 smooth operational continuity.
Housemarque’s strategy and creative vision are in excellent hands." Tamara Feiman has been appointed CEO of Lion Studios, the publishing arm of Tripledot Studios. Feiman previously served as Publishing General Manager and began her career at Lion Studios in 2020 as 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 makes Lion special is how we collaborate with our partner studios. Together we take risks, learn quickly, and turn great ideas into games enjoyed by millions." Feiman emphasized the collaborative nature of the business: "Lion has never been about a 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." Sega of America has added Heather Sangria as Community Manager.
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. Activision Blizzard promoted Emily Rose Chen to Senior Product Manager for Call of Duty. Chen started at the company as a financial analyst in 2020, moved into product management, and has now taken on senior responsibilities for the flagship franchise.
Scot McCarron has also been elevated at Activision Blizzard, now serving as Senior Director of Product Management for Call of Duty. McCarron originally joined the company in 2018 as a Product Marketing Manager for emerging franchises before advancing through the product management ladder. These announcements highlight the dynamic nature of talent movement within the gaming industry, underscoring how seasoned professionals continue to shape the future of interactive entertainment through new challenges and leadership roles.