Keeping up with the constant flow of hires, departures, and promotions in the video‑game sector can be a daunting task. To make it easier for industry professionals and enthusiasts alike, we publish periodic round‑ups that capture the most noteworthy personnel moves. If you know of any recent appointments or transitions that belong in this list, please forward the individual's name, new title, new company, as well as their 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 spent several years at Tencent Games where he was the Business Development Director, responsible for forging strategic partnerships and expanding the company's market reach. In addition to his corporate experience, Satvat founded and leads Always Supporting the Games Community (ASGC), an initiative dedicated to helping job‑seekers find opportunities within the gaming ecosystem. "I wanted a more immediate connection between the actions I could take and the impact on a team, especially when it comes to getting people back to work," Satvat explained. "My goal is to help turn more people's dreams of creating games into reality.
I also wanted to work in an environment that champions smaller studios, because I have a deep affection for indie‑scale projects, and I value a community‑first culture." He continued, "My final wish was to collaborate with colleagues who share the same values and integrity that I strive for. Accepting 1Up's invitation feels like all those wishes are coming together." Satvat also praised 1Up's role in the broader industry, stating, "1Up is a pivotal player in the games ecosystem, and I hope its distinctive approach to game investment endures for as long as possible." After seven years at Supercell, Lasse Seppänen has announced his departure.
He joined the Finnish powerhouse in 2019 as a producer and progressed through several senior positions, including Head of Game Production Services and General Manager of Supercell London. Seppänen said, "It’s time for me to return to my passion for creating new game IPs.
I’ll remain in the UK, and in 2027 I plan to launch my own studio again – I’ll share more details when the timing is right." Take‑Two Interactive has named Giles Derrington as its Director of Global Affairs for the United Kingdom. Derrington previously served as Head of Public Affairs for TikTok UK, where he managed the platform’s regulatory and governmental relationships.
At Kepler Interactive, Jess Pearce has been promoted to Senior People Partner. Pearce first joined Kepler in 2022 as a People Advisor and moved into the People Partner role in 2024, overseeing talent acquisition and employee development.
PlaySimple Games announced the promotion of Shreya Godha to Producer. Godha previously held the position of Associate Producer, contributing to several of the studio’s mobile titles. Epic Games welcomed Kelly Ekins as its Director of Communications. Before joining Epic, Ekins was Senior Director of Global PR for Unity’s Games and Made with Unity program.
Her earlier experience includes a stint at Warner Brothers Games Montreal, where she led studio marketing and communications. Ilari Kuittinen, co‑founder and Managing Director of Housemarque, is stepping down after an impressive 31‑year tenure. Kuittinen helped launch Housemarque in 1995 when he merged his company Bloodhouse with Harri Tikkanen’s Terramarque.
Reflecting on his career, he said, "Looking back, I feel immensely fortunate. We were in the right place at the right time for three decades of extraordinary industry growth, which allowed us to stay fiercely independent for 26 years before 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 smooth operational continuity.
Housemarque’s strategy 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 as the EMEA Business Development Lead, later becoming Publishing General Manager. "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 organization: "Lion has never been about a single person. 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 announced the addition of 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 role at Undead Labs. Activision Blizzard promoted Emily Rose Chen to Senior Product Manager for the Call of Duty franchise.
Chen began her career at the company as a financial analyst in 2020 before moving into product management. In a similar vein, Scot McCarron has been elevated to Senior Director of Product Management for Call of Duty at Activision Blizzard. McCarron originally joined Activision in 2018 as a Product Marketing Manager for emerging franchises and later served as Director of Product Management for the flagship series. These movements illustrate the dynamic nature of talent flow within the gaming industry, highlighting both the emergence of new leaders and the continued evolution of established studios.
The sector remains vibrant, with professionals seeking roles that align with personal values, creative aspirations, and the desire to influence the future of interactive entertainment.