[EN]: EA has informed via a press release that John Riccitiello will step down as CEO and member of the Board of Directors on March 30. Larry Probst has now been appointed as Executive Chairman while the company looks for a candidate to fulfill the position. Probst is a familiar face in the executive family of EA. He has been working for EA since 1991 as the company’s CEO until 2007. After the announcement, shares of EA have gone up by almost 4%.
[ES]: EA ha informado a través de un comunicado de prensa que John Riccitiello se retirará como CEO (jefe ejecutivo) y miembro del Consejo de Administración el 30 de marzo. Larry Probst ha sido nombrado presidente ejecutivo, mientras que la empresa busca un candidato para cumplir con el cargo. Probst es un rostro familiar en la familia ejecutivo de EA. Él ha estado trabajando para EA desde 1991 como jefe ejecutivo de la compañía hasta 2007. Tras el anuncio , las acciones de EA se han incrementado en casi un 4%.
[Press Release / Comunicado de prensa (en inglés)]
Electronic Arts Announces Change in Executive Leadership
Larry Probst Appointed Executive Chairman, Effective Immediately
Company Updates 2013 Fiscal Outlook
REDWOOD CITY, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)– Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ: EA) today announced that John Riccitiello will step down as Chief Executive Officer and as a member of the Board of Directors, effective March 30. The Board has appointed Larry Probst as Executive Chairman to ensure a smooth transition and to lead EA’s executive team while the Board conducts a search for a permanent CEO. The Board will consider internal and external candidates with the assistance of a leading executive search firm.
Mr. Probst has played a leadership role at EA since 1991. In addition to serving as Chairman of the Board since 1994, he previously served as the Company’s CEO from 1991 to 2007. As CEO, Probst successfully grew the Company’s annual revenues from $175 million to approximately $3 billion, led EA into new platforms such as mobile, online and other emerging markets and expanded its international presence to more than 75 countries.
“We thank John for his contributions to EA since he was appointed CEO in 2007, especially the passion, dedication and energy he brought to the Company every single day,” said Mr. Probst. “John has worked hard to lead the Company through challenging transitions in our industry, and was instrumental in driving our very significant growth in digital revenues. We appreciate John’s leadership and the many important strategic initiatives he has driven for the Company. We have mutually agreed that this is the right time for a leadership transition.”
On behalf of the Board, Lead Director Richard A. Simonson stated, “As we begin the CEO search, we are fortunate that Larry, who has a proven track record with our employees, partners and customers, has agreed to assume a day-to-day leadership role as Executive Chairman. He has 16 years of experience as CEO of EA and a deep understanding of the Company’s strategy, management team, business potential and industry trends.”
Mr. Riccitiello stated, “EA is an outstanding company with creative and talented employees, and it has been an honor to serve as the Company’s CEO. I am proud of what we have accomplished together, and after six years I feel it is the right time for me pass the baton and let new leadership take the Company into its next phase of innovation and growth. I remain very optimistic about EA’s future — there is a world class team driving the Company’s transition to the next generation of game consoles.”
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