Games exec James Binns leaves Future Publishing

James Binns, head of Edge International and PC gaming at Future Publishing, will leave the company on Friday to concentrate on other projects.

Binns has been with Future Publishing for 18 years, overseeing prestige titles like PC Gamer, PC Zone and the development of Edge Online. At the beginning of 2011 this role expanded to include GamesRadar.com, CVG and the websites for both Official Nintendo Magazine and Official Xbox Magazine.

Richard Keith, who left Future in June 2010 to launch TheGamesTribe, will return to the company and take over Binns' responsibilities with immediate effect. Keith was previously a publisher with the company, and worked on publications like Official PlayStation Magazine UK.

Future Publishing has recently been going through a restructuring process that lead to a series of redundancies, some voluntary, across the company, and the establishment of the entertainment group encompassing video game, television and film titles.

In October last year both CEO Stevie Spring and finance director John Bowman also exited Future.

UPDATE

"Through my years at Future I've been lucky enough to work with some of the finest, smartest people I'll ever know, and on brands I've really loved," said Binns in the official announcement.

"Over all that time I wouldn't change a thing… apart from switching from Left4Dead to Left4Dead 2 sooner. Now, after 18 amazing years, it's time for new adventures."

The announcement also noted that during his time at Future, Binns has had an influence on almost every part of its entertainment portfolio.

"James has achieved amazing things at Future over the years and he leaves with our thanks and our heartfelt best wishes," added entertainment group publishing director Simon Maxwell, whose responsibilities have recently grown to include both Future's UK and US business.

"He will be greatly missed - he's a great character as well as being one of the most passionate people I have ever had the pleasure of working with."