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To keep you up to date with the latest movers and shakers in the mobile games industry, we’ve put together a regular roundup of the latest hires, promotions and, in some cases, exits.
If you’ve recently joined a company or bagged a big promotion, or you’re an employer that’s just made a hire, drop us an email at news@pocketgamer.biz, and we can include it in our weekly update.
Below you can see our regularly updated roundup of January and December’s mobile movers and shakers. You can check out November’s roundup here.
Netflix VP Leanne Loombe exits company
Netflix VP of external games Leanne Loombe has left the streaming firm after three years.
She was responsible for heading up the firm’s second and third-party development and publishing operations, overseeing and sourcing its portfolio of games.
No reason was given for Loombe’s departure and Netflix declined to comment.
The move comes amid a shakeup of the firm’s gaming operations. Last year the company brought in former Epic Games EVP of development Alain Tascan in to head up the division as its new president.
He replaced ex-Netflix Games VP Mike Verdu, who now holds the role of VP of GenAI.
Elsewhere, last year the streaming firm closed its internal studio Team Blue, reportedly working on a triple-A multi-platform project. Key staff members at the studio such as Overwatch executive producer Chacko Sonny, Halo creative lead Joesph Staten and God of War art director Rafael Grassetti left the company following its closure.
Kwalee mobile games VP John Wright to depart
Kwalee VP of mobile games John Wright is set to leave UK publisher Kwalee on February 6th.
In a LinkedIn post, Wright cited family commitments as part of his decision to depart the company.
The VP joined the company in September 2023. He previously worked as head of global growth partnerships at Luna Labs, which was acquired by IronSource, itself later purchased by Unity, where Wright worked as head of customer success for Luna before joining Kwalee.
His other credits include Coda Platform, a previous stint at IronSource, and Green Man Gaming.
Wright said he is on the lookout for a new opportunity. He will also be joining Deconstructor of Fun as a growth expert in its consulting team.
Mistplay CEO steps down
The CEO of mobile game loyalty platform Mistplay, Jason Heller, has stepped down from the role after three years with the company.
In a statement, the executive said he wanted to spend more time with his family, though he teased he would be launching a couple of new ventures over the coming months.
Replacing Heller in the top role is Tricia Han, She has previously worked in a number of roles, including as CEO of MyFitnessPal and entrepreneur in residence at RRE Ventures.
“I’ve been enjoying a long overdue personal reset, spending some meaningful time with my family,” said Heller.
“My confidence in Mistplay’s bright future remains as strong as ever, and I’m excited to watch the company continue to thrive under Tricia Han, as the new CEO.”
NCSoft snaps up Taewon Yun as senior VP
Ex-Super Evil Megacorp chief business officer and advisor Taewon Yun has joined Lineage series developer NCSoft as senior vice president and head of game strategy.
“As you know, NCSoft has faced some challenges over the last couple years, similar to most other large game publishers,” said Yun.
“NCSoft does, however, possess strong fundamentals in technology, talent, and a visionary founder. Over the past 25 years, TJ has invited me numerous times to join NCSoft during our tea or meal meetings.
“I declined every time until now. I believe this is the perfect moment to help usher in a new era for NCSoft. My focus will be on expanding NC’s global reach, pioneering new genres, and exploring innovative approaches.”
New Pocket Worlds senior marketing manager
Highrise developer Pocket Worlds has recruited former Wargaming World of Warships marketing lead for North, Central and South America Ross Falk as its new senior marketing manager.
While at Wargaming he oversaw campaigns, market expansion and influencer partnerships. He has previously also managed digital advertising and media production at Ford Audio-Video.
“I’m thrilled to join the talented and visionary team at Pocket Worlds, a company redefining how we connect and create in virtual spaces through its flagship platform, Highrise,” said Falk.
“Highrise is more than just a platform — it’s a vibrant community that empowers creators and celebrates individuality. I’m excited to share the magic of Highrise and help foster positive, shared experiences in our virtual world.”
Ex-Microsoft exec Bonnie Ross heads to Duolingo
Duolingo has appointed ex-Microsoft corporate VP and head of the Halo franchise Bonnie Ross as an independent board member.
The company’s CEO Luis von Ahn said the firm’s core principle was “make it fun”, and that it aims to utilise Ross’ experience in games to bring that to its platform.
“As an enthusiastic Duolingo user, I’m inspired by the platform’s ability to make learning entertaining and engaging,” said Ross.
“It fosters a competitive and social learning environment and challenges me to keep making daily progress, particularly in my quest to impress Lily. I’m eager to contribute to Duolingo’s mission of making high-quality education fun and available to everyone.”
Movers at ADVA, IGDA Finland, King, Sensor Tower, and more
Epic LLama game designer Hernan Lopez has been appointed as the president of ADVA – Argentina’s Video Game Developers Association.
The head of GamesIndustry.biz Christopher Dring and its editor-in-chief James Batchelor have left the B2B media outlet after eight years.
DLA Piper Finland associate Joeli Niva has been elected as a board member of IGDA Finland.
King product director Luke Jackson has started a new position at the company as head of monetisation and game systems on Candy Crush Soda Saga.
Sensor Tower’s Billy Brake has been promoted to the position of sales director – gaming, EMEA. He has worked at the mobile intelligence firm for over two years and previously held the role of account director for the games vertical in the region.
Istanbul-based developer Fomo Games has promoted Gözde Alemdar Tekin to the role of senior marketing designer.
Former YesCraft principal consultant Ariel McNichol has joined Zynga as director of product for applied AI.
Avakin Life developer Lockwood Publishing has promoted Jessica May to the position of head of player support and community.
Ex-Sanlo head of marketing Andrew Dubatowka has been named as head of marketing at direct-to-consumer commerce and payments platform Neon.
Miniclip’s senior UA lead Kemal Kilic has been promoted to the role of head of user acquisition.
Former Inflexion Games head of communications David Scarborough has joined Brands2Life as senior account director. He joins the consumer team working with Epic Games and other companies.
