October 2022 Jobs Roundup: Embracer Freemode Appoints Activision Alum Brian Bright to Leadership

The games industry has seen a flurry of new appointments and transitions, making it challenging to stay up-to-date. To help, we've compiled the latest round-up of industry moves. If your company has any new appointments or transitions to share, please send the details to newhires@gamesindustry.biz. Veteran game developer Brian Bright has joined Embracer Freemode as Principal Design Director, bringing 25 years of experience from his time at Activision Blizzard. Bright's credits include serving as Principal Designer for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare and working on the Tony Hawk and Guitar Hero franchises. "I'm delighted to join the leadership team and contribute my skills to the Freemode family, prioritizing the gaming community," Bright said. Keywords has promoted Jon Hauck to Chief Operating Officer, overseeing business performance and growth. Hauck will continue to head M&A strategies and serve as CFO until a replacement is found. "Jon has been an exceptional CFO, developing a deep understanding of the business," said Keywords CEO Bertrand Bodson. Frank Sagnier has been appointed Non-Executive Chair of Steel City Interactive's board, bringing 25 years of industry experience, including a 7-year stint as Codemasters' CEO. "Frank's knowledge and expertise have helped shape our vision, and we're delighted to have him on board," said Steel City Co-Founder Ash Habib. Blizzard Entertainment has hired Osama Dorias as Lead Content Designer, who has worked at Ubisoft, WB Games Montreal, and Unity. Dorias said, "I'm happy to share that I'm starting a new position as Lead Content Designer at Blizzard Entertainment." Fingersoft has promoted Teemu Väisänen to Game Development Technical Director and appointed Mika Reini to its board of directors. Väisänen said, "I have extensive experience in technical and artistic aspects of game development, which brings a unique vision and know-how." Reini added, "I'm looking forward to this new role, bringing over 20 years of experience, including 17 years as CFO at Remedy Entertainment." Reflector Entertainment has announced three new promotions: Marc-André Séguin as General Manager, Emilie Constantineau as Talent and Culture Director, and Christophe Rossignol as Creative Director. The British Film Institute has named Chris Filip as International Business Development Manager for the UK Global Screen Fund, overseeing business plan assessments and analyzing international company growth. Filip said, "I'm happy to join the BFI, growing the UK's international exports and deepening relationships." Venture capital firm Bitkraft Ventures has appointed Brooke Grabrian as Head of People, leading portfolio support for talent, culture, and human resources. Grabrian said, "I have a unique opportunity to leverage my years of experience in the games industry, guiding startups in building healthy, high-performing teams." NetEase Games Montreal has tapped Jonathan Morin as Creative Director, known for his work on Watch Dogs. Morin said, "I'm excited to announce my new adventure, creating our own IP with a passionate and talented team." Mobile studio Funplus has hired Jacob Kruger as User Acquisitions Director, bringing over a decade of experience in the mobile space. Kruger's appointment will help the company access new audiences and explore opportunities for players and games.