GDAA Appoints New President, Executive Director

Australian game industry body the GDAA (Game Developers’ Association of Australia) gas announced the appointment of Tantalus Interactive CEO Tom Crago as the organization's president, as well as Greg Bondar as the body's executive director. In his new role, Crago will serve as president of the GDAA throughout 2007, working closely with Bondar, who replaces the organization's former executive director Evelyn Richardson. Officials note that Crago's appointment aligns with the desire of GDAA member companies to have a CEO from the industry as the association's president. Prior to his new position, Bondar previously worked as a senior ministerial advisor, and also headed other industry associations, including the Australian Telecommunications Users Group and the Australian Chamber of Shipping. The purpose of the GDAA, according to organization representatives, is to raise the profile of the Australian interactive game industry domestically and internationally by promoting the growth of the game industry in Australia, representing the interests of GDAA members, attracting capital and publishers from offshore, retaining and attracting local talent, and promoting a sense of community within the industry. “As an industry here in Australia we have achieved a great deal over the past few years,” said Crago. “The challenge now is to continue to grow and to assert ourselves internationally with new titles and new success stories. The GDAA is committed to helping its members realise these goals.”