Take-Two announces Asian expansion
Take-Two announced a push into "high growth Asia Pacific markets" this afternoon, say that its hired Hubert Larenaudie - previously of EA and Vivendi - to spearhead the expansion.
Base in Singapore, Larenaudie will be henceforth known but his new and completely awesome job title, "President for Asia".
"Many of Take-Two's franchises, such as Grand Theft Auto, Midnight Club, Sid Meier's Civilization, and BioShock are international hits, and already have attracted large and enthusiastic fan bases in markets such as Japan, South Korea and China," said Larenaudie, presumably from some kind of nuke-proof 747.
"With the Company's portfolio of leading brands, growing sports business, extraordinary creative talent and global appeal, I see exciting potential to build a significant Asia Pacific business for Take-Two, with a particular emphasis on the online game segment of the market."
Press release after the link.
Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. Announces Asia Expansion Strategy; Adds Senior Market Leader
Hubert Larenaudie to Head Asia Pacific
Focus on Broadening Distribution and Launching Online Game Offerings in High Growth Asia Pacific Markets
New York, NY – April 14, 2008 – Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (NASDAQ:TTWO) today announced that Hubert Larenaudie, an accomplished senior executive with more than 15 years' experience in building successful Asia Pacific businesses, has joined the Company to spearhead its expansion initiatives in this rapidly growing region. Mr. Larenaudie, who previously served in senior roles with Electronic Arts and Vivendi Universal Games, holds the newly created position of President for Asia and is establishing an office in Singapore as the focal point for Take-Two's Asia Pacific operations. He will report to Gary Dale, Executive Vice President of Take-Two.
The top priorities for Take-Two in the region include: expanding distribution in the Asia Pacific (APAC) for the Company's interactive entertainment products; developing a strong presence in Japan; and establishing a meaningful online game operation, especially in China and Korea.
"Hubert Larenaudie is an experienced senior executive who has successfully built or expanded Asia Pacific operations for prominent interactive entertainment and consumer goods companies," said Gary Dale. "His in-depth knowledge of the region; his skill in creating the right product development, distribution and marketing strategy for each local market; and his track record of driving growth will help Take-Two realize the tremendous opportunities in APAC."
Mr. Larenaudie added, "Many of Take-Two's franchises, such as Grand Theft Auto, Midnight Club, Sid Meier's Civilization, and BioShock are international hits, and already have attracted large and enthusiastic fan bases in markets such as Japan, South Korea and China. With the Company's portfolio of leading brands, growing sports business, extraordinary creative talent and global appeal, I see exciting potential to build a significant Asia Pacific business for Take-Two, with a particular emphasis on the online game segment of the market."
Before joining Take-Two, Mr. Larenaudie was President of Asia Online for Electronic Arts. While there, he established leadership positions in the South Korea, China, Japan, Taiwan and Southeast Asia markets and oversaw product development, licensing and studio acquisitions in the region. Previously, he was President-Asia Pacific of Vivendi Universal Games (VUG). Under his supervision, VUG became one of the most successful interactive entertainment companies in the Asia Pacific region, with extensive market penetration for its World of Warcraft brand. Prior to that, Mr. Larenaudie held a variety of management positions in Asia, Latin America and Europe in high growth consumer goods companies.
About Take-Two Interactive Software
Headquartered in New York City, Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. is a global developer, marketer, distributor and publisher of interactive entertainment software games for the PC, PLAYSTATION®3 and PlayStation®2 computer entertainment systems, PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system, Xbox 360® and Xbox® video game and entertainment systems from Microsoft, Wii™, Nintendo GameCube™, Nintendo DS™ and Game Boy® Advance. The Company publishes and develops products through its wholly owned labels Rockstar Games, 2K Games, 2K Sports and 2K Play, and distributes software, hardware and accessories in North America through its Jack of All Games subsidiary. Take-Two's common stock is publicly traded on NASDAQ under the symbol TTWO. For more corporate and product information please visit our website at www.take2games.com.
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