Keeping up with the constant flow of hires, promotions, and departures across the games sector can be a real challenge. That’s why we put together periodic round‑ups that capture the most noteworthy moves. If you know of any recent staffing changes 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. Before this, he was the Business Development Director for Tencent Games, where he helped shape the studio's global expansion strategies. Satvat also founded and runs Always Supporting the Games Community (ASGC), an initiative dedicated to helping aspiring professionals locate employment opportunities within the gaming world. "I wanted a position where I could see a direct link between the actions I take 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 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 that places community at the forefront of its mission. "My final wish was to collaborate with colleagues who share the same values and integrity I strive for. Accepting 1Up's invitation feels like all those aspirations are finally aligning," he added.
He continued, "1Up plays a crucial role in the broader games ecosystem, and I hope its distinctive approach to game investment endures for many years to come." Lasse Seppänen announced that he will leave 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 will remain in the UK, and in 2027 I plan to launch my own studio again – I will share more details when the moment 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, where he oversaw the platform's regulatory and stakeholder engagement efforts. Jess Pearce earned a promotion to Senior People Partner at Kepler Interactive.
Pearce initially joined Kepler in 2022 as a People Advisor and advanced to People Partner in 2024 before receiving her current senior title. Shreya Godha has been elevated to Producer at PlaySimple Games, moving up from her prior role as Associate Producer within the same studio. Epic Games announced the appointment of Kelly Ekins as Director of Communications.
Ekins previously held the position of Senior Director of Global PR for Unity's Games and Made with Unity program. She began her Unity career in 2018 as Marketing Lead for Media & Entertainment after a stint at Warner Brothers Games Montreal, where she was Studio Lead for Game Marketing and Communications.
Housemarque co‑founder and Managing Director Ilari Kuittinen is stepping down after an impressive 31‑year run. Kuittinen co‑founded the studio with Harri Tikkanen in 1995 following the merger of their companies, Bloodhouse and Terramarque. "Looking back, I feel incredibly fortunate," Kuittinen reflected. "We were in the right place at the right time for three decades of remarkable industry growth, which allowed us to stay fiercely independent for 26 years before joining the PlayStation Studios family." "The leadership transition has been carefully planned 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 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 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 said.
"Since then, I've had the privilege of growing alongside the company through its biggest successes, challenges, and transformations. What makes Lion special is our collaborative approach with 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 outstanding team across publishing, growth, product, engineering, and market intelligence, as well as our talented studio partners worldwide," she added.
Heather Sangria has joined Sega of America as Community Manager. Prior to this role, Sangria worked as a contract Social Strategist and Community Lead at One More Game and held a Digital Strategy and Community Manager position at Undead Labs.
Emily Rose Chen has been promoted to Senior Product Manager for Call of Duty at Activision Blizzard. Chen started at Activision in 2020 as a Financial Analyst, later moving into product management before earning her senior title. Scot McCarron has also received a promotion, now serving as 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 became Director of Product Management on the Call of Duty franchise. These announcements illustrate the dynamic nature of talent movement within the gaming industry, highlighting both seasoned veterans embarking on new ventures and rising stars stepping into greater responsibilities. The continued flow of expertise across studios, publishers, and service providers underscores the sector's resilience and its capacity for innovation as it adapts to evolving market demands and player expectations.