Officials from Electronic Arts have named John Pleasants as the company’s new president of global publishing and chief operating officer (COO). Pleasants will begin the role immediately and report directly to CEO John Riccitello.
The new position will see Pleasants leading Electronic Arts’ global publishing organization, corporate communications and government affairs. He we also assume responsibility for online, central development and technology teams.
Pleasants’ previous experience includes positions as president and CEO of Revolution Health Group, president and CEO of Ticketmaster and key consumer marketing roles with Frito-Lay. He also has a long history as an investor in, and serving as an advisor to, various privately-held companies.
Riccitiello commented: “John’s experience as a business operator, his knowledge of online consumer relationships and his ability to lead large global teams will be a big asset to EA. He will be a close partner to me and to the executives that lead our four labels.”
“This is a phenomenal opportunity and there’s no better time to be joining EA,” said Pleasants. “John Riccitiello and the team at EA have laid out the right plan to take EA forward by building innovative products, expanding digital revenues, and extending its strengths in global publishing. I’m excited about the challenge of leading these initiatives and working with this talented team.”
