UKIE names Dan Wood as new COO

UKIE head of communications and public affairs Dan Wood has been named the trade body's new chief operating officer.

Wood has been with the UKIE for three and a half years, during which time it has grown to represent over 200 developer, publishers and associates. Over the course of his service, Wood launched the Video Games Ambassadors scheme, coordinated UKIE's lobbying efforts on tax relief and set up the Next Gen Skills Campaign.

"It’s been amazing to be part of the team that has seen Ukie grow so much over the last three years and I now can’t wait to get stuck in to this new role, Wood said in a statement.

"There are plenty of big challenges and amazing opportunities out there for the UK games industry and my new role will allow UKIE to help tackle them and will help us to deliver even more value and support to our members and the wider UK games sector.”

"Dan has been fully committed and a key part of the significant transition UKIE has been undergoing for the past three years since we rebranded," CEO Dr Jo Twist added.

"His expertise, experience and enthusiasm is going to be invaluable as he takes more of a leadership role in the organisation; making sure we are representing and servicing our members and our sector from the grassroots to the highest level, to achieve the goal of making the UK the best place in the world to make and sell games.”

Chairman Andy Payne said he "always knew" Wood was "destined to play a major role" in the trade body's leadership.