Wilson steps up as new EA CEO

After six months, the search is over, EA’s board of directors has picked the firm’s new CEO.

EA Sports boss Andrew Wilson has been named the firm’s new exec leader, announced by the firm in a corporate blog post tonight.

According to board executive chairman Larry Probst, EA has been conducting a "rigorous search" since the departure of John Riccitiello in March, talking to "several talented executives from both outside the company and from within EA".

Wilson joined EA in 2000 and has held a number of key positions in hat time.

These include "extensive experience" working on the Asia Online Publishing Group and the firm’s studio in Seoul, Korea, and also as exec producer of the FIFA franchise. Most recently he has served as the EVP of EA Sports and our online portal for digital games and services, Origin.

ALSO: Read our July interview with Wilson about next-gen, Wii U, Facebook and more.

Probst said in the statement: "I am convinced that Andrew was an inspired choice by our Board, and one I expect the team at EA will enthusiastically support. Andrew is the first studio executive to serve as our CEO, a testament to his blend of creative skills and business acumen.

"He is a compelling and charismatic communicator who cares deeply about organizational development, teams, and the individual careers of people who work for EA. Most of all, he has a powerful sense of respect for and commitment to our consumers."