IGDA Appoints Jen MacLean Permanent Executive Director

Emily Greer, Zoe Bell Join Board; Vesa Raudasoja New Vice-Chair

MOUNT ROYAL, N.J. – Feb. 12 2018 – The International Game Developers Association (IGDA) has promoted Jen MacLean, removing the interim tag and naming her executive director of the world’s largest organization serving individuals who create games. Emily Greer, CEO, Kongregate and Zoe Bell, lead producer, Big Huge Games have joined the board of directors. Vesa Raudasoja, who was elected to the board in 2016, is stepping into the role of vice-chair.

With barriers to entry into game development at an all-time low, MacLean’s focus during her term as executive director is to grow the IGDA into an organization that empowers developers from all walks of life and all corners of the globe to lead successful, fulfilling careers in the industry. She will unveil the IGDA’s major initiatives in support of this goal at GDC.

MacLean took the reins of IGDA leadership in September 2017 after more than two decades in the industry, including positions as vice president and general manager of games at Comcast, CEO of 38 Studios, and president of StoryArc Media. MacLean was managing director of the IGDA Foundation for more than a year before adding the role of IGDA interim executive director.

Emily Greer co-founded Kongregate in 2006 and took over as CEO in February 2014. Greer led the company’s rapid rise as a free-to-play web destination as well as the expansion to mobile, PC and console game publishing. From the founding of Kongregate through its rise as a top publisher, Emily has been a powerful advocate for independent developers and a voice for fair business practices in game publishing and development.

Zoe Bell got her start in the industry as the primary producer for FrontierVille, one of Zynga’s early successes. After several years of game development production with Zynga and DeNA, she transitioned to external games production with Kongregate, working on critically-acclaimed mobile titles such as The Trail, BattleHand and AdVenture Capitalist. Bell is currently leading the development of a new video game project at Big Huge Games, a subsidiary of Nexon.

Vesa Raudasoja is a game consultant and community developer based in Finland. He is currently working in game business development on an EU project with Cursor and the Playa Game Industry Hub. He has been a leader with IGDA Finland for more than 10 years and helped grow the organization into one of IGDA’s flagship chapters with more than 1100 members and 12 hubs.

“Jen MacLean has a powerful vision for the IGDA and what it can do to make a difference in the lives of its members all over the globe,” said David Stelzer, chair of the board of directors, IGDA. “Bolstered by Vesa’s dedication to the international community, Emily’s experience in growing a successful business and providing support to independent developers, and Zoe’s passion for making game development sustainable for families, Jen will lead the IGDA as it supports game developers around the world in improving their personal and professional lives.”

Assets

 Emily Greer                                     Zoe Bell

About the International Game Developers Association (IGDA)

Now in its 24th year, the International Game Developers Association is the largest non-profit membership organization serving individuals who create games. The association exists to advance the careers and enhance the lives of game developers by connecting members with their peers, promoting professional development, and advocating on issues that affect the developer community.

For more information, visit the official website or follow the IGDA on Twitter and Facebook.

Media Contacts

Lena LeRay / Robert Brown

Stride PR for IGDA

lena@stridepr.com / robert@stridepr.com