Tim Christian takes the helm at Visual Science

Industry veteran Tim Christian has been named CEO of leading Scottish developer Visual Science, after acquiring a majority shareholding in the Dundee based company from founder Russell Kay.

Former Microprose and Hasbro Interactive boss Christian, who has been serving as non-executive chairman at the firm for the last two years, will become CEO with immediate effect, while Kay becomes Chief Technical Officer of the company.

"The investment underlines my belief in the future of Visual Science," Christian said in a statement this week. "The current management team will continue in their present roles and it really is business as usual. I'm looking forward to working closely with Russell who can now concentrate firmly on the company's tools, technologies and overall game development."

During Christian's stint as non-executive chairman, Visual Science has seen its revenues grow by almost four-fold, and has diversified its client base to include industry leading publishers such as Sony, VU Games and SCi.

Late last year, Kay told investors at the Connect 2004 showcase event that the independent developer, which employs 90 staff, is targeting a trade sale by 2007, and has already identified a number of publishers who could be potential buyers.