SCEA Appoints Karraker As Communications Head

Following the resignation of Sony Computer Entertainment America's senior director of communications and brand development Molly Smith in early June, the company has today announced the appointment of her replacement, former Allied Domecq Spirits and Wine president of corporate communications, Dave Karraker. Starting immediately, Karraker serves as SCEA's new senior director of communications, reporting directly to Peter Dille, senior vice president of marketing. In his new role, Karraker will manage the SCEA's communications team responsible for PlayStation products in the North America, including the original PS one, PlayStation 2, PSP, and all first-party PlayStation software. In addition, he will also supervise public relations for the launch of the upcoming PlayStation 3 console in North America, which is scheduled to ship on November 17, 2006. In his previous role at Allied Domecq Spirits and Wine, Karraker managed communications for well-known alcohol brands. He has also worked as the director of marketing communications for major retailer Kmart. Karraker's video game experience includes work with public relations firms Access Communications and Rogers & Cowan in Los Angeles, where his clients included Sega of America, Microsoft, 3DO, Virgin Interactive, Crystal Dynamics, U.S. Gold, ASC Games, 3Dfx Interactive and Knowledge Adventure. Karraker has also worked as a broadcast journalist for the CBS affiliate in Santa Barbara, California and the NBC affiliate in Reno, Nevada. “Dave has the ideal blend of videogame, large consumer brand and retail experience to help us meet our goals with the PlayStation brand,” said Peter Dille, Senior Vice President of Marketing, Sony Computer Entertainment America. “SCEA’s communications team will play a key role in the successful launch of the PlayStation 3, focusing on driving not only consumer demand, but also retailer excitement and synergies across the Sony family of companies.” Dille added: “Dave has a proven track record for managing responsive, two-way communications between all stakeholders and audiences for the companies he has represented, which will be a critical component of our marketing program for all PlayStation products.”