Foundation 9 Gets North-Hearn As CEO

Author: by Staff

Foundation 9 has announced that James North-Hearn, previously Managing Director of Foundation 9 Europe, is assuming the CEO role at the company, with Jon Goldman - profiled today on Gamasutra in his last interview as CEO - stepping down. Goldman will serve as non-executive Chairman for six months following North-Hearn's move. North-Hearn brings extensive experience as a top game industry executive to the role. This includes his serving as head of publishing for Infogrames, running UK publisher & developer Gremlin Interactive, and founding F9 studios Sumo Digital and Sumo India. Speaking to Gamasutra regarding the announcement, Foundation 9's communications manager Nicole Tanner explained: "Jon had a goal to get the company to where it is today, and he's done a great job... now we're going to hand it off to James." She also noted that North-Hearn will be relocating to the company's Irvine, CA, headquarters. Outgoing CEO Goldman also issued a statement on the change, noting: "After 14 years building this business, I am delighted to pass the reins to James... It's been two years since Francisco Partners invested in Foundation 9 to fuel our tremendous success; I've accomplished what we agreed to do and now it's time for me to actually enjoy some of the fruits of that success. As a shareholder, I eagerly look forward to what lies ahead for Foundation 9."