THQ appoints Flock to shepherd company into next generation

THQ has appointed game industry veteran Kelly Flock to the newly-created role of executive vice president of worldwide publishing, where he will oversee the company's publishing activities including product strategy, marketing and sales.

Flock will take up his role later this month.

The former Sony Online Entertainment CEO will report directly to Brian Farrell, president and CEO of THQ, who paid tribute to him. "Kelly has a proven record of bringing innovative products to market and building strong franchises," he said. "His experience and expertise will complement and add to a strong management team that has built THQ into a leading video game publisher. I am confident Kelly will play a key role in driving our continued growth and success."

"THQ's management team has positioned the company to take significant advantage of the coming great leap forward in next-generation hardware. I look forward to applying my expertise and passion to THQ's goal of dramatically expanding its leadership position in the video game industry," Flock added.

Flock's previous experience includes a stint as president and CEO of Sony Online Entertainment, president of 989 Studios and president of Sony Interactive Studios America. He also served as general manager of LucasArts.