UK independent developer Blitz Games (
Pac-Man World 3, Fuzion Frenzy) has announced the appointment of Richard Smithies as Finance Director / CFO of the company, with responsibility for all financial and legal dealings.
According to a company statement, Richard joined Blitz in 2004. However, he has known and advised the company and its owners since the inception of the business in 1990. He will also continue his role as Head of TruSim, the company's game-based training, visualization and learning division.
Leamington Spa-based Blitz has continued to find success producing mass-market licensed titles for children, with recent games such as
Bratz, and three forthcoming licensed un-named titles based on cartoon characters and girls' toy brands. But it is also diversifying into mature titles with its Volatile Games division, currently working on zombie title
Possession, as well as its TruSim 'serious game'-related division.
Philip Oliver, co-founder and Managing Director of Blitz commented, 'We're delighted to have Richard on board, his knowledge, experience and sheer energy and enthusiasm is a huge asset for us.'
Richard Smithies, Finance Director added, 'I'm extremely pleased to take this position within Blitz at such an exciting time for the company. New business areas and the transition to next generation video game platforms bring challenges and opportunities which we are more than ready to tackle.'
