David Gardner starts job at Infogrames
Brest press release ever. Newly appointed Infogrames CEO David Gardner, previously of EA, has now arrived in Lyon for some meetings. If that's the best you can come up with, Atari, God help you all. Full thing after the link.
PRESS RELEASE
INFOGRAMES ENTERTAINMENT WELCOMES CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, DAVID GARDNER
Former Electronic Arts Executive and Industry Leader with 25 Years Experience Meeting with Employees in Lyon to Present Strategic Vision
Lyon - France, February 4th 2008 - Following his appointment by the Board during its meeting on 30th January 2008, Infogrames Entertainment welcomes David Gardner as CEO, who arrived in Lyon on Monday, February 4 for a series of meetings with Company employees.
Industry Executive Brings Industry Leading Experience
Mr. Gardner is one of the top executives in the interactive entertainment software industry with a career that spans nearly 25 years at Electronic Arts, where he was a key contributor to the growth of the company globally. Mr. Gardner grew EA in Europe from a handful of people in the UK to gross revenue of approximately US $1 billion dollars with over 1,000 employees operating in fourteen countries. He was also instrumental in making several acquisitions of games publishers in Europe and integrating them into EA. Mr. Gardner brings a wealth of experience and a strategic vision to Infogrames.
With a Vision Recognising the Unique Value of the Brand and the Untapped Potential of the Company
The Board of Infogrames stated, “We are delighted to welcome David, a leading industry pioneer, as the new CEO of Infogrames. David is joining Infogrames at an opportune time: following the completion of the €150 million ORANE issuance in January, Infogrames has the financial resources to rebuild its leadership on the global gaming market. Drawing on David’s vision and expertise, we believe that the Group is well positioned to develop great products for its customers and generate value for its shareholders”.
David Gardner, CEO of Infogrames Entertainment made the following comments, “I am very enthusiastic after my first meeting with the team in France. I could sense the teams have the passion for gaming and energy. The team has the will to see through the challenges ahead. We have the fighting spirit! Following a period of underinvestment, the Group is now well capitalized and has the financial means to fund operations, invest in its catalogue of games and to pursue other strategic initiatives. I plan to focus the Group on improving the efficiency of its global distribution network, expanding its publishing capabilities, accelerating its internet strategy, and re-launching one of the best known consumer brands in history, Atari. By focusing on these key areas, I believe we can enhance shareholder value for the Group.”
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