Schappert takes up new MS Live role

Electronic Arts and Microsoft execs continue to play musical chairs: EA Tiburon founder John Schappert has left his post as EVP to become corporate vice president of Live software and services.

The newly created role sees him reporting to the recently promoted (and fellow former EA man) Don Mattrick, who stepped up to manage the Xbox business at Microsoft after
Peter Moore left to head up EA Sports. 

At Microsoft, Schappert will oversee Xbox Live plus Games for Windows Live, XNA and Microsoft Casual Games and MSN Games, Windows Live Messenger, Windows games and Xbox Live Arcade.

Previously at EA Schappert held roles including COO of the worldwide studios and also senior managment roles at EA Canada and Tiburon.

“I am thrilled to have John join the deep bench of proven talent already on Microsoft’s Interactive Entertainment Business,” Mattrick said.

“John’s expertise will help us focus on expanding and enriching our market leadership with Live in areas like online services while broadening our audience. John will also build on the great work already happening in the developer community working with Chris Satchell and the XNA organization.”