Webzen America Hires Armstrong As CEO

South Korean-headquartered MMO firm Webzen has announced the hiring Cindy Armstrong as the chief executive officer of the company's North American operations, Webzen America, as it continues to expand aggressively as part of its stated plans "to bring world-class online games to the Western market." Armstrong was previously Vice President of Business Development for Sony Online Entertainment, where she was responsible for all facets of the company's business development efforts, focusing on emerging markets, international expansion, product acquisition and OEM opportunities. Before SOE, Ms. Armstrong held key positions at a variety of other top electronic entertainment companies, including Nintendo of America, Boss Game & Film Studios, NES International, Inc. (Paris, France) and Activision UK Ltd. She has been involved with several successful product launches, including the Nintendo 64 and Super NES. Webzen's American expansion focuses around both PC and console MMO titles, including PC MMO role-playing game Soul of the Ultimate Nation, the Unreal Engine-licensed MMO first-person shooter Huxley, which is reported to be in development for Xbox 360 as well as PC, and the David Jones (Grand Theft Auto)-created urban action MMOG All Points Bulletin. "Ms. Armstrong has the perfect pedigree to lead Webzen America and firmly establish the company in this critical territory," said NamJu Kim, chief executive officer, Webzen Inc. "Her industry knowledge, business development expertise and international expansion experience make her tremendously qualified to help Webzen meet its goal of becoming a leading online game company in all major markets worldwide."