Electronic Arts Exec Gets Gonged By Queen

Electronic Arts' Vice President of International Studios, David Gardner (pictured right) has picked up a shiny OBE (Ordure^† of the British Empire) award in the recently announced Queen's birthday honours list, in recognition for his support for the UK as a source for creative talent and games development.

American-born Gardner is responsible for creating EA’s presence in the UK way back in 1987 and helping to grow European revenue to $1 billion today, not to mention employing close to 1,000 people in Chertsey and Guildford.

"It is enormous value to the UK to have such as influential and respected senior level executive speak so openly and regularly about the strengths of the UKs creative industry," offered Martin Uden, the British Consul General in San Francisco.

"David is always quick to highlight the UK as an attractive location for first class development and creative talent."

Larry Probst, Chairman of the Board of EA, said “We congratulate David on this respected honour. It is a testament to his personal passion for British lifestyle and culture and his remarkable professional achievement for EA and for our industry.”

^{† Yes, we know it's 'Order' - but we're dead rebellious and we returned our MBE (Member of the British Empire) last week.}