Atari CEO Pierce resigns

Atari Inc, the US arm of the software publisher, has announced the resignation of its CEO, David Pierce.

"We appreciate David's support and commitment through a difficult period in the Company's history and wish him well in his future endeavors," Gene Davis, chairman of Atari's Board of Directors, said in a written statement.

Curtis G. Solsvig III, Atari's chief restructuring officer, will assume Pierce's responsibilities on an interim basis. An executive search has been initiated to find Mr. Pierce's successor.

Atari Inc also announced that it will exit the production business to concentrate on publishing and distribution in North America, ending a production agreement with majority shareholder Infogrames Entertainment.

As a result, Atari Inc will reduce its current work force and has also licensed its Test Drive franchise to Infogrames.