In-game ad agency Double Fusion has appointed Jonathan Epstein as its chief executive officer, replacing former CEO Geoff Graber, who was only appointed to the role last November. As the new CEO, Epstein will have full responsibility for defining the company's strategic direction and for managing all areas of business for the company.
Epstein is a member of Double Fusion's board of directors and was previously a consultant to the company. After nearly 10 years at technology publishing giant IDG where he served in ad sales and publishing management roles, Epstein left in 1995 to launch GameSpot.com as its president and CEO. GameSpot successfully sold to Ziff-Davis in 1997, and the founding executive assumed the role of EVP, International, for the company's ZDNet unit, and served in a similar role for its acquirer CNET, where he oversaw the launch of GameSpot sites in all of the major markets of the world.
Epstein then joined GameSpy Industries in 2001, and after IGN Entertainment acquired GameSpy in 2004, Epstein helmed IGN's media division through the end of the year. From 2005 until now, Epstein has served as the co-head of the digital media practice of United Talent Agency, one of the top talent agencies serving the Hollywood and digital media communities.
"Double Fusion was my natural next step," said Epstein. "I spent the last decade of my life developing the world's largest media audiences of gamers, and helping marketers reach this audience with compelling, effective and accountable advertising programs. Double Fusion's platform, philosophy, and strong portfolio of publisher and advertiser partners make it the clear leading independent company in the space."
