New Tiga CEO named

The new chief executive of Tiga has been named – Richard Wilson (pictured) is to take over the role from outgoing CEO Fred Hasson.

Wilson was previously head of business policy for the Institute of Directors. While he comes from outside the games industry, Tiga believes his background in public affairs makes him a good fit for the association given his experience working with the Department of Trade and Industry and the Department for Education and Skills.

He was named as Hasson’s successor yesterday during the Tiga AGM and evening awards ceremony, and will take over the role in March.

Commenting on his new role, Wilson said: “I am delighted to have been appointed CEO of Tiga. It is a lean, innovative and effective trade association that does a magnificent job in serving the interests of UK games developers. Fred Hasson has been an outstanding CEO and it is an honour to follow him in this role."

He added: “I am looking forward to campaigning vigorously on behalf of Tiga members, further enhancing Tiga’s effectiveness and raising the profile of the UK games development sector.”

Wilson was selected by an appointments board consisting of leading Tiga members with input from Hasson, who said: "We think Richard will be good for Tiga and more importantly the industry. There is still a massive job to be done in impressing on the public and the government of the significance and importance of the industry and its potential as part of a modern knowledge based economy. I urge the industry to support him and Tiga to continue to promote the best interests of the development industry.”

According to Tiga chairman Ian Baverstock, the appointments board was unanimous in choosing Wilson: "He, like our current CEO Fred Hasson, has no previous games industry experience but has an impressive Public Affairs background and is understands issues relating to industrial sectors. We think he has the right qualities to build on Tiga’s achievements to date and take the organisation forward."