Peter Moore Resigns From Microsoft to Return to
Northern California
Don Mattrick appointed to head
Microsoft’s Xbox and Games Business.
REDMOND, Wash.
— July 17, 2007 — Microsoft Corp. today announced that Don Mattrick, a
former president at Electronic Arts Inc. (EA), will lead the Interactive
Entertainment Business (IEB), which includes overseeing the Xbox®
and Games for Windows® businesses. Peter Moore, who currently serves
as corporate vice president of IEB, has decided to move his family back to the
Bay Area for personal reasons and has secured another opportunity in the video
games industry.
Mattrick will take
over as the senior vice president of IEB at Microsoft, effective July 30.
Mattrick was the founder of Distinctive Software Inc., which operated as a
private company from 1982 until its merger with EA in 1991. Mattrick held
various senior positions within EA, most recently as president of Worldwide
Studios, until his resignation in February 2006. In February 2007, Mattrick
began working with the Entertainment and Devices Division at Microsoft as an
external advisor.
“Peter has
contributed enormously to the games business since joining Microsoft in 2003
and we are sad to see him go,” said Robbie Bach, president of Entertainment and
Devices Division at Microsoft. “Since that time, he presided over the global
launch of the Xbox 360™, spearheaded a revitalized and rebranded Games for Windows
business, and helped steer the console’s ascent.”
Moore has decided
to return with his family to Northern California, where they lived until he
took the position at Microsoft. Moore will remain at Microsoft to assist in the
transition through August and will then return to the San Francisco Bay
area.
“While Peter will
certainly be missed, we are delighted to have one of the industry’s most
talented and passionate veterans on board to lead the business,” Bach said.
“Don is well-known and respected throughout the industry for his deep
knowledge, technical expertise and management savvy. Under Don’s leadership,
the games team is looking forward to embarking on our biggest holiday ever,
with a wide-ranging roster of some of the most highly anticipated titles.”
Mattrick brings 23
years of games industry and development experience to the strong Microsoft
management team, having helped bring to life such celebrated game franchises as
the “Need for Speed,” “Harry Potter” and “The Sims” while at EA.
“Over the past two
decades, and the past few months in particular, I’ve worked closely with many
of Microsoft’s top leaders and I’ve always been impressed by their talent,
passion and commitment,” said Mattrick. “I’m thrilled to join an already strong
team that’s delivering truly amazing gaming experiences to customers around the
world. I’ve never been more excited about the future of the industry, and
firmly believe Microsoft will lead the next great innovations in gaming.”
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT”) is the
worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and
businesses realize their full potential.