Rawlinson Resigns As Head Of UKIE

Michael Rawlinson resigned his position as head of the Association of United Kingdom Interactive Entertainment (UKIE), the British trade group announced today. Rawlinson has worked with UKIE for over ten years, and was promoted from managing director to director general of the organization in 2009, when it was still known as ELSPA. In his tenure with the group, Rawlinson has been instrumental in creating the Europe-wide PEGI ratings system and getting it implemented in the United Kingdom. He's also taken the lead in defending the industry against a variety of detractors, including those who wanted to ban EA's Medal of Honor. Rawlinson has also been involved in the group's efforts to fight game piracy and served as vice chair of the Alliance Against IP Theft since late last year. "The board of UKIE would like to thank Michael on behalf of the members and the wider industry in general, for all the hard work that he has put in on our behalf particularly with the government," Chairman Andy Payne said in a statement. "We recognise that Michael wants to seek fresh challenges and wish him the very best with his next challenge." UKIE's chair, vice chair and treasurer will serve as the interim leaders of the group while the search for a replacement commences.