Ex-Midway VP joins Atari

Long-running publisher Atari has hired two new senior managers to bolster its US operations.

Lee Jacobson joins as senior VP of licensing and digital publishing and will oversee worldwide licensing and IP partnerships. The former Midway VP will report to Atari’s president and deputy CEO Jim Wilson.

The publisher has also appointed Lucas Bean as senior director of online marketing, who will be responsible for the marketing strategy in North America.

Bean joins Atari from Sony Picture Entertainment’s online video network Crackle.com where he managed marketing. He also worked as a director at Traffic Marketplace and Reunion.com, and as a consultant for Myspace.com.

Jacobson boasts over 20 years’ experience in the games industry – he was formerly VP of business development and licensing at Midway, and has launched several new game franchises, managed external IP and developed in-game advertising strategies.

Atari’s classic and current IP are ripe for fresh licensing ideas and I am confident that we can find new ways to reach gamers of all ages through the brands they love,” said Lee Jacobson.

President and deputy CEO Jim Wilson added: Lee’s extensive industry experience makes him a valuable asset as we explore new business and licensing opportunities that will drive Atari’s continued growth.

Lucas brings an in-depth knowledge of online marketing strategy and customer acquisition to the Atari team.

"These efforts are key to Atari’s strategy to engage gamers everywhere they play and introduce them to iconic brands through newly imagined games.”