The Entertainment Software Association has announced it has hired Rich Taylor, a former senior executive with the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) and aide to Congressman Jim Chapman (D-TX), as senior vice president for communications and research. The ESA represents U.S. computer and video game publishers, and including its most recent inductees, Codemasters and Epic Games, currently has 29 member companies. Taylor served as a Senior Vice President for the MPAA, a global advocate for the American motion picture, home video and television industries. During his tenure with MPAA, Taylor was the overall head of the organization’s communications department under former MPAA President Jack Valenti. In that capacity, he was responsible for overseeing all aspects of the Motion Picture Association of America’s press and communications efforts, while serving as the primary spokesman and senior strategist for the American motion picture industry. ESA CEO Michael D. Gallagher commented, “The ESA and the video game industry are very lucky to have Rich aboard. Rich’s expertise and extensive experience in communications are a perfect match for the investment, innovation, and creativity of the video game industry."