EA in Shock: John Riccitiello Walks!
President and COO resigns - Probst fills the void until after E3.
John Riccitiello, the president and COO of Electronic Arts, has resigned. Riccitiello was responsible for global publishing, online and other corporate departments. His resignation is effective immediately, though he will remain at EA for a transition period, believed to be until shortly after E3.
This is a serious blow for Electronic Arts, though throughout the company, the reaction to the news is sure to be mixed. Riccitiello was known to be totally business-minded, attracting the nickname 'Hatchetman' in some industry circles for his business-focused, no nonsense approach to the industry.
"My time at EA was the best work experience in my life", said Riccitiello. "Personally, it is time to do something different and I intend to start a private equity business. I'm leaving EA when the company is enriched with the best people, the best properties and a very bright future."
"I want to thank John for the tremendous contribution he's made in the past six years," said Electronic Arts' CEO Larry Probst. "His vision and leadership have been extremely valuable and he has built an outstanding team. I wish John the very best."
It was confirmed that Probst will assume Riccitiello's role until a replacement is found.
This is a serious blow for Electronic Arts, though throughout the company, the reaction to the news is sure to be mixed. Riccitiello was known to be totally business-minded, attracting the nickname 'Hatchetman' in some industry circles for his business-focused, no nonsense approach to the industry.
"My time at EA was the best work experience in my life", said Riccitiello. "Personally, it is time to do something different and I intend to start a private equity business. I'm leaving EA when the company is enriched with the best people, the best properties and a very bright future."
"I want to thank John for the tremendous contribution he's made in the past six years," said Electronic Arts' CEO Larry Probst. "His vision and leadership have been extremely valuable and he has built an outstanding team. I wish John the very best."
It was confirmed that Probst will assume Riccitiello's role until a replacement is found.
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Comments
Deviluck 8 Apr 2004 14:03
1/3
I don't blame him really.
SPInGSPOnG 11 Apr 2004 09:37
2/3
Deviluck wrote:
>I don't blame him really.
Explain. You don't blame him for leavign because EA are a soul-less evil mega-corp intent on making money no matter how many dire clue-less sequels it takes?
Because, like, he was probably a big part of making the company that way.
>I don't blame him really.
Explain. You don't blame him for leavign because EA are a soul-less evil mega-corp intent on making money no matter how many dire clue-less sequels it takes?
Because, like, he was probably a big part of making the company that way.
Deviluck 13 Apr 2004 10:45
3/3
I never meant it that way. I am sure he has done a great deal for the company and he made it successful, but in business, you get tired quickly, i don't blame him for walking out, he may try anew.