Jump to content

CEO of Electronic Arts, John Riccitiello steps down


Recommended Posts

eaceoresig.jpg

 

Haven't found any stories as yet, but saw this tweet..... Will update the OP as more info comes in....

 

Edit: So, the stories are flowing in now..... :P Guess, I shoud've waited a bit.....


 

EA CEO John Riccitiello Steps Down

 

John Riccitiello, CEO of game publisher Electronic Arts, is stepping down.

 

Former EA CEO and board chairman Larry Probst will take over while the board searches for a new replacement.

 

Here's the press release:

REDWOOD CITY, Calif.—(BUSINESS WIRE)— Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ: EA) today announced that John Riccitiello will step down as Chief Executive Officer and as a member of the Board of Directors, effective March 30. The Board has appointed Larry Probst as Executive Chairman to ensure a smooth transition and to lead EA's executive team while the Board conducts a search for a permanent CEO. The Board will consider internal and external candidates with the assistance of a leading executive search firm.

 

Mr. Probst has played a leadership role at EA since 1991. In addition to serving as Chairman of the Board since 1994, he previously served as the Company's CEO from 1991 to 2007. As CEO, Probst successfully grew the Company's annual revenues from $175 million to approximately $3 billion, led EA into new platforms such as mobile, online and other emerging markets and expanded its international presence to more than 75 countries.

 

"We thank John for his contributions to EA since he was appointed CEO in 2007, especially the passion, dedication and energy he brought to the Company every single day," said Mr. Probst. "John has worked hard to lead the Company through challenging transitions in our industry, and was instrumental in driving our very significant growth in digital revenues. We appreciate John's leadership and the many important strategic initiatives he has driven for the Company. We have mutually agreed that this is the right time for a leadership transition."

 

On behalf of the Board, Lead Director Richard A. Simonson stated, "As we begin the CEO search, we are fortunate that Larry, who has a proven track record with our employees, partners and customers, has agreed to assume a day-to-day leadership role as Executive Chairman. He has 16 years of experience as CEO of EA and a deep understanding of the Company's strategy, management team, business potential and industry trends."

 

Mr. Riccitiello stated, "EA is an outstanding company with creative and talented employees, and it has been an honor to serve as the Company's CEO. I am proud of what we have accomplished together, and after six years I feel it is the right time for me pass the baton and let new leadership take the Company into its next phase of innovation and growth. I remain very optimistic about EA's future - there is a world class team driving the Company's transition to the next generation of game consoles."

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

So, his resignation letter:

 

Riccitiello's departure "all comes down to accountability"


 

Outgoing EA CEO John Riccitiello has said that “accountability” is the cause behind his reason to quit the publisher.

 

Not accountability for the SimCity fiasco, of course – which is already becoming the accepted narrative in some circles – but accountability for the company's upcoming financial reports, which will see profit at the low end of or even below expectations.

 

“This is a tough decision, but it all comes down to accountability,” Riccitiello wrote in his resignation letter, as published by Polygon. “The progress EA has made on transitioning to digital games and services is something I'm extremely proud of.

 

“However, it currently looks like we will come in at the low end of, or slightly below, the financial guidance we issued in January, and we have fallen short of the internal operating plan we set one year ago. EA's shareholders and employees expect better and I am accountable for the miss.

 

“I have been at the helm as EA's CEO for six years and served as COO for nearly seven years starting in 1997. I know this company well, and I care deeply about its future success. I leave knowing EA is a great company, with an enormously talented group of leaders and the strongest slate of games in the industry.

 

“I could not be more proud of our company's games, from Battlefield and FIFA, to The Simpsons: Tapped Out and Real Racing 3. We have built many great franchises that will serve the company well in FY14 and beyond. In particular, I am confident that the investments we have made in games for next-generation consoles will put EA in a strong leadership position for many years ahead.

 

“In offering my resignation, my goal is to allow the talented leaders at EA a clean start on FY14. I look forward to working with you in the coming weeks on an effective leadership transition. I'm extremely honored to have led this company and proud to have worked with all the great people at Electronic Arts.”

Link to comment
Share on other sites

That there is a change in the leadsership of the biggest game publisher and probably a shift in the way it operates? Nope.

 

yea..we should care for him like they've not killed enough games already and hey, EA is up for worst company award "again".

 

http://consumerist.com/2013/03/18/here-are-your-contestants-for-the-2013-worst-company-in-america-tournament/

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    No registered users viewing this page.

×
×
  • Create New...