Sega Of America Lands New COO

Sega of America said Wednesday that it appointed Sega of Japan vet Masano Maeda as COO, as the Tokyo-based Bayonetta and Sonic The Hedgehog publisher continues its push for Western expansion. Maeda has been with Sega of Japan since 1991, and most recently was corporate director for the publisher's consumer business division and then executive advisor. Sega said that Maeda played a key role in Western expansion in recent years, having overlooked partnerships with Western developers and acquiring studios such as Total War developer The Creative Assembly. Maeda is tasked with leading day-to-day business at Sega of America, working under Sega of America and Sega Europe CEO Mike Hayes. Maeda said Sega's plans for globalization are still underway. "Though I have worked with SEGA of America a great deal over the past 18 years, I look forward to the opportunity to be more closely involved with the development process for the Western markets," he said. Former Sega of America and Sega Europe CEO Naoya Tsurumi moved to Japan to take on the role of managing director, consumer business division at Sega's Tokyo headquarters, the company said. Earlier this month, Sega of America also announced the appointment of Brad Wildes as VP of sales for the North American division.