John Kavanagh is new Paramount games boss

Paramount has announced its new SVP of videogames following the departure of Sandi Isaacs last year – former Kuju America boss John Kavanagh.

Kavanagh, who was also previously VP of product development at Eidos, will oversee all aspects of Paramount Digital Entertainment’s video game group – which includes development and licensing of titles based on the movie studio’s IP.

He will report directly to Paramount Digital Entertainment’s president Thomas Lesinski and brings to Paramount experience in forging deals and working with developers. Having started his career as a programmer at Atari, at at EIdos he was responsible for the signing of key franchises like Hitman, Deus Ex, Timesplitters, Formula One, Gangsters and Thief. He also worked briefly as head of Crystal Dynamics and Ion Storm, founded UK toy firm Bright Things.

"Having worked extensively in the US and European sectors, Kavanagh has uniquely distinguished himself as one of a handful of videogame executives with global, cross-regional experience," said Paramount in an official statement detailing his appointment.

 “We are very excited to have someone as experienced as John come aboard to lead our videogame group,” added Lesinski.

“John brings a diverse array of global gaming experience that will help accelerate our efforts in the development and licensing of videogames.”