Entertainment Industry Veteran to Oversee Interactive Entertainment Company
Atari, one of the world's most
recognized brands and leading third-party video game publisher,
announced today the appointment of David Pierce as President and Chief
Executive Officer (CEO), effective immediately. Mr. Pierce is assuming
the responsibilities of CEO previously held by Bruno Bonnell.
In
this role, Mr. Pierce assumes responsibility for the operational
management of Atari and will partner with Mr. Bonnell to achieve
strategic objectives of the Company. Mr. Bonnell will continue to serve
as the Company's Chairman and Chief Creative Officer (CCO), steering
the creative vision for Atari.
Mr. Pierce has a proven record in
establishing and growing companies. With more than 20 years of
executive management experience with major entertainment companies such
as Universal Pictures, MGM, Sony Pictures and Sony Music Entertainment,
he brings an effective management style focused on the successful
execution of strategic objectives and improving profitability. Mr.
Pierce has successfully launched and established significant market
share for numerous media devices. Additionally, his career covers the
development and launch of branded entertainment properties, franchise
development and delivery across multiple distribution channels.
"Atari
has been a cornerstone of a global cultural movement that forever
changed how we experience entertainment. It's an honor for me to have
the opportunity to contribute to Atari's exciting future," stated Mr.
Pierce. "There's a heritage of expectation that demands a high level of
responsibility to our consumers and the interactive entertainment
industry. I look forward to collaborating with the gifted and
passionate individuals at Atari to build on that heritage and raise the
bar on what consumers can expect."
Mr. Bonnell commented, "David
has spent his career in the entertainment business and has a clear
understanding and appreciation for our consumers. His leadership
skills, first-hand operational execution and keen focus on
profitability and investment value make him the ideal person to lead
Atari."
"With David as my senior partner, we will strengthen the
capabilities of Atari. Our skill sets are complimentary and we share a
passion for providing consumers with compelling and unique
entertainment experiences. David's track record is stellar and we are
privileged to have an executive of his caliber and reputation leading
Atari."
As Executive Vice President and General Manager, Mr.
Pierce spearheaded the complete restructuring and turnaround of Sony
Wonder, a division of SONY BMG Music Entertainment. Under his
leadership, the company achieved record revenue and multiple years of
record profits. Prior to Sony Wonder, Mr. Pierce was the Senior Vice
President of Columbia Tristar Home Video, a division of Sony Pictures
Entertainment, from 1989 through 1994. Mr. Pierce was recruited to help
devise and execute a complete reorganization of the company. Specific
areas of focus included the reorganization of personnel, establishing
sound financial controls, development of distribution strategies and
establishing sales and marketing initiatives. Over a five year period,
Mr. Pierce increased revenues, achieved record net contribution results
and developed strategic distribution relationships with several leading
entertainment companies including Sony Electronic Publishing, Epic Home
Video and New Line Pictures. In 1984, Mr. Pierce was recruited by New
World Pictures to launch the company's video division, New World Home
Entertainment. Through unique advertising campaigns and creative sales
promotion, he established New World as the industry leader amongst
independent production companies.
News was posted/written by
Aaron Lockard, on Tue, 05 September 2006 17:24:42 , and has been read 18 times. It is filled under the following
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