Bushnell, Virden Appointed To Atari Board, Phil Harrison Resigns Seat

Atari founder Nolan Bushnell has taken a position on the company's Board of Directors, along with online business veteran Tom Virden -- as departed execs Phil Harrison and David Gardner resign their positions. Atari said that the pair's addition to the board would add strategic insight as the company aims to increase its brand focus and online presence. Of the pair, Board chairman Frank Dangeard said that "their deep industry, technology and online business knowledge will be a substantial addition to the strategic insight of our Board." Bushnell, widely considered one of gaming's major forefathers, was co-founder of the original Atari, leading the launch of the 2600 console and the iconic Pong. He's credited with launching some 20 companies since then. "I am very excited to be reacquainted with Atari at a time when it is poised to make interesting strides in key growth areas of the games industry," he said. "The company and its iconic brands have always been important to me, and I look forward to further guiding them at the board level." Virden has a history in online leisure, tech and travel businesses, having held senior positions at tech companies like lastminute.com, Netscape and Digidesign. In addition to his Board seat, he takes a spot on Atari's Audit Committee. "I look forward to providing strategic insight and guidance to the executive team as it further expands its business online and builds value around its world-renowned brand and properties," he says. Harrison and Gardner both stepped down from their respective positions as Atari president and CEO last year, but until now retained seats on the board of Atari.