Pannell leaves Assassin’s Creed publisher Warner Bros UK recruits marketing manager Capcom hires new community manager Jackson heads Women in Games
UBISOFT l The publisher is on the look out for a new marketing boss, following MURRAY PANNELL’s decision to leave the firm. In 2009, Pannell left Microsoft Games Studios to join Ubisoft as a marketing director. He has overseen some of the publisher’s most successful launches, including Assassin’s Creed, Splinter Celland Just Danceamongst others.
“We are sorry to lose Murray, but wish him well,” Ubisoft Northern Europe managing director ROB COOPER told MCV. “He has managed our brands well and, with the help of the team around him, our marketing has been professional, creative and energetic. “Contemplation on life after Murray has already begun,” he continued, “but it is certainly reassuring that he is leaving behind such a capable and experienced department.” Pannell is expected to stay within the entertainment industry but no announcement on his new position has been made.
WARNER BROS l SARA GROVER has taken over as marketing manager while TANYA O’CONNOR is on maternity leave. Grover has worked in the video games industry for the last 16 years, with the last five years focusing on contract roles either in a UK or International capacity.
She has previously worked for Sega, Eidos, Atari, Ubisoft and Activision, and most recently held the mobile broadband trading manager role at Three.
CAPCOM l NEIL GORTON has joined the Street Fighter publisher as social and community manager. Gorton previously worked as a producer for Ginx TV, creating video content across its 24/7 channel. He played a key role in establishing its growing fan base and was seen regularly interacting with viewers and strengthening the bond
with community websites.
“This is an exciting time for Capcom, not only do they have the most devoted and passionate fans out there but I get to work with a great team that redefines how the company engages socially with this generation of gamers,” Gorton told MCV. “I am looking forward to taking Capcom’s titles to the fans across the UK and rewarding them with events and coverage that remind them why they love Capcom in the first place.” Gorton also runs his YouTube web show True Gitswhich covers gaming culture and events.
WOMEN IN GAMES l Not-for-profit organisation Woman in Games Jobs has hired GINA JACKSON as its first CEO. “WIGJ has made great strides since it was founded in 2009 with a network of over 3,000 supporters worldwide,” said Women in Games Jobs founder DAVID SMITH. “We think Gina will help bring WIGJ to the next level.”