GDI and Virgin Games name new Chief Executive Officer for Game Domain International
London, March 30 - Game Domain International (GDI) today announced the appointment of video game industry executive, Roger Walkden as Chief Executive Officer, where he will drive the company's worldwide strategy and growth initiatives.
Mr. Walkden's significant experience in video game industry management, sales, marketing and operations gives GDI a solid foundation from which to launch its ground breaking new 3D digital distribution platform, AWOMO (A World of my Own). AWOMO will combine an immersive 3D 'virtual world' environment with a new technology platform that enables download speeds of a few minutes via a standard broadband connection.
Based in the U.K., Mr. Walkden will report to the GDI Board, which includes Simon Burridge, CEO of Virgin Games and Chris Gorman OBE, the technology entrepreneur.
"We are delighted to welcome a skilled industry professional of Roger's experience and calibre," said Chris Gorman. "His extensive experience in building partnerships within the industry makes him the perfect choice to bring GDI's new platform to the publisher and development community. As a veteran of fast growing businesses, he will be a tremendous asset as we strive for leadership of the fast-expanding Games on Demand market with the new digital distribution technology GDI has developed."
Prior to joining GDI, Mr. Walkden was Vice President of UK, Emerging Markets and European Marketing at Activision Europe and held various positions within Activision prior to this within Sales, Marketing and Operations. During his tenure, Activision's revenue climbed fourfold, and market share increased from 2 per cent to an all time high of 11 per cent. Mr. Walkden has also held marketing positions with Kerry Foods and Kraft Foods.
Commenting on his appointment, Mr. Walkden said, "I am very excited to be joining a company with a truly revolutionary consumer proposition for video games. GDI is set to change the way the industry is currently viewing Games on Demand by introducing AWOMO, a technology that will dramatically shift forecasts for the market in favour of digital distribution".
ENDS
Notes to Editors
Virgin Games is a wholly owned trading division of Virgin.com Limited. Virgin Games operates in the following areas: Virgin Casino, Virgin Bingo, Virgin Poker and Virgin Skill. Each has a different selection of games on offer and offer a range of promotions, tournaments and jackpots. As well as cash, players get the chance to win a range of Virgin products and services, such as a holiday on Necker - Richard Branson's private island.
www.virgingames.com
Game Domain International Ltd. (GDI) was founded in January 2006. Its founder, Wikalo S.A., is an investment group targeting new media technologies. Wikalo S. A. is the owner of a brand new technology to distribute electronic gaming. The owner has transferred all IPRs of this technology exclusively to GDI. The company is currently preparing for the launch of a revolutionary gaming platform and will start its operational business in the 3rd Quarter of 2007. The company's vision is to set up the largest existing content platform hosting the largest gaming community worldwide.
www.gdi-ms.com
Chris Gorman OBE has headed several successful ventures in both retail and technology businesses. Chris was a founder shareholder in UK mobile phone retailer DX Communications, and then went on to create the internet services company, Reality Group. He has also led the acquisition and sale of several retail businesses and has various other business interests such as getfitwellness.com, Quintessentially and purplelounge.com. Chris has received many business awards and in June 2005 Chris received an OBE in the Queen's Birthday Honours list for services to business. Chris is a regular speaker at business events; he has featured in several business related TV shows; he lectures in schools and universities and has been awarded an honorary professorship in business at Paisley University. He is Vice Chairman of the Entrepreneurial Exchange and is a Patron of YouthWorks and Governor of the Royal Scottish Academy for Music and Drama.