Chris Deering joins Codemasters management board

Chris Deering, the founding president of SCEE and former head of Sony Europe's consumer electronics division, has joined Codemasters' board of management as non-executive chairman.

The announcement was made by Codemasters this morning in a statement which also revealed that Benchmark Capital Europe has increased its investment in the company. BCE, which purchased 40 per cent of Codemasters last April, has now acquired an additional 30 per cent. Codemasters CEO Rod Cousens has also acquired a 1.5 per cent stake in the company.

Deering is best known in the videogames industry for founding Sony Computer Entertainment Europe in 1995. He oversaw the launch of the original PlayStation and the PS2.

In April 2004 Deering was made president of Sony Europe's consumer electronics division, and later the same year won a BAFTA for his contribution to the interactive industry. Deering left Sony in September 2005.

Cousens said Codemasters is "delighted" to welcome Chris, "A pioneer in the gaming industry."

"He is worldly, understands global markets and has made PlayStation a major entertainment brand," Cousens continued.

"His combination of intellect, business savvy, understanding of technology, and breadth of experience will be hugely valuable as Codemasters continues its strategy of portfolio and international growth."

Deering commented: "Over the past 20 years, I have been impressed with Codemasters' excellence in game development and skilful marketing in the PlayStation market and overall gaming space."

"The company's heritage and the reputation it carries makes this a thoroughly exciting prospect and I look forward to contributing to its future success."