Gosen Steps Down From Microsoft's European Game Biz Role

Just two years after joining the company, David Gosen is leaving Microsoft, where he had served as VP of strategic marketing for the company's Interactive Entertainment Business EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa) unit. According to a report in UK trade site MCV, Gosen is leaving "to explore new opportunities outside of the company." The Marketing and Xbox Live teams underneath Gosen will now report directly to EMEA interactive entertainment VP Chris Lewis. "The Xbox marketing team and Live business in EMEA has made great progress over the last two years, during a phase of consistent investment and innovation," says Lewis. "I would like to take this opportunity to thank David for his contribution as a key player in my leadership team." "Looking forward, this team will continue to drive Xbox 360 to its biggest-ever year overseeing the launches of Project Natal, Halo Reach and Fable 3," Lewis adds. Prior to taking the role at Microsoft, Gosen served as CEO of I-play Mobile Entertainment, where he developed a reputation as something of an evangelist for the casual gamer and simple game mechanics. He's also served as managing director of Nintendo, during a five year period that encompassed much of the GameCube era. He has also served in senior management positions at British Sky Broadcasting, Mercury One-to-One, Pepsico and Coca-Cola & Schweppes Beverages.