New president named at THQ as core games duo leave Lunch PR grows accounts team with two new hires Scammell leaves GamerZines for VideoGamer.com
THQ l JASON RUBIN (far left) has joined THQ as its new president. He is best known as the co-founder of Naughty Dog, the studio behind Crash Bandicootand Uncharted. Rubin will run the publisher’s worldwide product development, marketing and publishing operations, and will report to THQ
chairman and CEO BRIAN FARRELL. He joins as two senior execs depart. EVP for core games DANNY BILSON
(above right) is leaving to pursue other interests, as is SVP for core studios DAVE DAVIS. THQ said these departures are part of its ongoing restructure. “THQ has incredible internal and external game development teams, and an exciting slate of games in its development pipeline,” said Rubin. “The recent transformation of THQ into a creator of wholly-owned IP has placed it in a perfect position to leverage future trends in the games business. I look forward to working with the management team and Board to realise the company’s goals.” Also new to the firm is JASON KAY, who becomes chief strategy officer. Kay co-created web app Flektor with Rubin, and has worked as an executive and advisor to Activision, Columbia House and Home Box Office.
LUNCH PR l The London-based agency has hired two new full-time staff members. KAYLEIGH WATSON (far left) joins as account manager. She has over four years of PR experience and previously worked with Lunch on a consultancy basis. She will be responsible for looking after the firm’s
Pokémon Company and Koch Media accounts. COLETTE BARR (above) becomes account assistant, following her internship at the agency. She also writes fan columns for Official Nintendo Magazine. “We’re so pleased to have Kayleigh and Colette join the Lunch PR team,” said MD DANIELLE WOODYATT.
“Both are well known and respected in the industry and between them bring bags of experience and enthusiasm to the team.”
VIDEOGAMER.COM l DAVID SCAMMELL has joined the editorial team as staff writer. He leaves his previous position as senior staff writer at GamerZines. “I am very happy to be joining VideoGamer.com at an exciting time for the publication,” said Scammell. “With plenty of developments going on behind the scenes, I feel privileged to be offered the chance to work with such an
experienced and passionate team.” Editor TOM ORRY added: “We’re really excited about what he’ll bring to the site. His passion – and massive Gamerscore –makes him a great match for VideoGamer.comand our forthcoming plans.”