Report: Sega Europe Boss Heading Up Sega Of America

Sega of Europe COO Mike Hayes will also be heading up Sega of America, becoming the overall head honcho of "Sega West," as he takes on more global responsibilities, U.K.-based website MCV reported Tuesday. Hayes' appointment follows the departure of Sega of America president Simon Jeffery, who announced his departure this week. Jeffery is now head of publishing at promising iPhone game upstart ngmoco. Hayes will be COO of both Sega of Europe and Sega of America, the report said. A rep for Sega of America did not immediately confirm the report in a phone call, although Gamasutra expects official comment shortly. Over the past few years, Tokyo-based Sega has been making to transition to a more globally appealing game maker. The Sonic the Hedgehog house signed publishing partnerships with key Western developers in an effort to broaden its reach.