The UK-based games developer and publisher have announced that Chris Deering, former president of Sony Europe"s Consumer Electronics division and CEO of Sony Computer Entertainment Europe (SCEE) as their new non-executive chairman.
Chris Deering proved enthusiastic about the deal: "Over the past 20 years, I have been impressed with Codemasters"
excellence in game development and skilful marketing in the PlayStation
market and overall gaming space."
As CEO of SCEE, Mr Deering was responsible for all PlayStation games in most PAL countries, launched the original console in 1995 and its successor, the PS2, in 2000. In 2004, Mr Deering won the Interactive Industry Award from the British Association of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) for his work as president of Sony"s Consumer Electronics department in Europe.
The company have also released details of Benchmark Capital Europe increasing their ownership of the company by to 70% after purchasing an additional 30%. The firm aquired their first 40% in April 2005.
Ynon Kreiz, general partner at Benchmark Capital Europe commented: "The appointment of industry icon Chris Deering as Chairman further
strengthens our commitment to making Codemasters a global leader in the
video games market."
Codemasters have a number of up and coming titles, including TOCA Race Driver 3 and a remake of the fantastic Sensible Soccer.