Moore quits Microsoft to head up EA Sports

Microsoft’s Peter Moore has quit his role as corporate VP of the company’s interactive entertainment business and taken the job as president of EA’s new Sports label – with former Electronic Arts man Don Mattrick moving in to take his place.

Moore’s move, according to Electronic Arts, "rounds out the leadership" of CEO of John Riccitiello’s recent restructure of of EA into four autonomous labels – EA Games, EA Sports, EA Casual Entertainment and The Sims.

"Peter Moore’s proven record of leadership in games and sports makes him a terrific fit for heading up EA Sports," said Riccitiello. "As a partner at Microsoft and earlier, as a competitor, we’ve learned to respect his vision and leadership."

"The people at EA Sports have created one of the strongest brands in the entertainment industry and John Riccitiello is building an organisation which will extend the company’s leadership to new platforms and new audiences all over the world," added Moore. "I couldn’t be more excited about joining EA and moving my family back to the San Francisco Bay Area."

Back at Microsoft, Don Mattrick takes the post leading the Microsoft games business that includes Xbox and Games for Windows on July 30th. In his previous role at EA he held a variety of roles including head of worldwide studios until his resignation in February 2006. He joined Microsoft as an external advisor to the entertainment division in February this year.

"While Peter will certainly be missed, we are delighted to have one of the industry’s most talented and passionate veterans on board to lead the business," said Robbie Bach, president of Entertainment and Devices Division at Microsoft.

"Don is well-known and respected throughout the industry for his deep knowledge, technical expertise and management savvy. Under Don’s leadership, the games team is looking forward to embarking on our biggest holiday ever, with a wide-ranging roster of some of the most highly anticipated titles."