Former Ubi, EA Exec Joins IGN

Former Electronic Arts and Ubisoft exec Ian Chambers has joined game entertainment network IGN as the company's UK managing director, where he'll be charged with spearheading IGN's UK growth. At EA, Chambers held a leadership role in the publisher's console digital distribution strategy, and contributed to digital-only initiatives like FIFA Ultimate Team and Battlefield 1943. He's also credited with originating Ubisoft's Uplay community features, seen recently in titles such as Assassin's Creed 2 and Splinter Cell Conviction. IGN UK says its goal is now to extend its brand "everywhere that consumers engage with video games", and says that Chambers' experience is "perfectly suited" to help it achieve this end. In the coming months, IGN wants to roll out social and community initiatives it hopes will expand its user stats. "Ian has worked at the very heart of European publishing having held senior positions at both EA and Ubisoft," says IGN Entertainment SVP Chris Ellis. "His experience in building major brands whilst mastering new routes to the consumer will help us develop our partner and consumer offerings in the coming months."