THQ Reorganizes Into Three Biz Units For More 'Focused' Strategy, Promotes Execs

Aiming for a more "focused" product strategy, publisher THQ is splitting into three individual business units, and reorganizing its management team to lead each one. THQ's formed a group for "Core Games" like Darksiders and Red Faction; one for "Kids, Family and Casual", including its Pixar license games and its "Biggest Loser" television show tie-in, and one for "Online" games and growth initiatives. "The new structure specifically aligns our primary business units with our product strategy, enabling each team to focus on planning and execution in highly defined product areas with full profit and loss responsibility," says president and CEO Brian Farrell. THQ senior VP of creative development Danny Bilson will be promoted to EVP of the Core Games division, and will focus on building the company's portfolio of owned franchises. "By managing core games as a comprehensive business unit, my team can leverage our creative, development and marketing talents to deliver hit titles that resonate with our discriminating audience," says Bilson, who claims two decades' experience in writing, directing and creative development for entertainment media. Doug Clemmer, who previously managed the company's ValuSoft casual business and wireless titles, will now head up the Kids, Family and Casual unit. Clemmer says the company's focused on new accessibility initiatives: "Gaming platforms such as the Nintendo Wii and Microsoft’s recently announced Project Natal are changing the way families play together and we are excited to develop gaming experiences that take full advantage of these platforms." Asia Pacific product development VP Steve Dauterman will remain stationed in that region alongside his promotion to senior VP of THQ's Online division. He will spearhead the company's strategy of migrating the company's brands, like Warhammer 40,000 and WWE into the online space and exploring online business models in emerging regions. "My team will also work with our Core and Kids, Family and Casual gaming units to help make connectivity a part of their gaming experiences," Dauterman adds. Finally, THQ's Ian Curran also gets a promotion to EVP of global publishing, where he'll oversee worldwide revenue, sales, distribution and channel and territory marketing. Curran, as well as all three new division heads, will report directly to CEO Farrell.