SEGA of America and Atlus U.S.A. have announced that Ian Curran has been appointed as SEGA of America’s new Chief Operating Officer (COO) and President.
In his role, Curran will be tasked with maximising the profitability of the publishing and Sonic business units within the Americas and EMEA. He will serve on the Atlus U.S.A. board, report directly to SEGA West CEO Tatsuyuki Miyazaki and will work with employees in SEGA’s offices in Irvine, Burbank and London.
With decades of experience in video game publishing, he has held previous roles at THQ, Acclaim Entertainment and, most recently, Gioteck – a gaming accessories designer and supplier, where he led, coached and mentored management and staff.
“My thanks and gratitude to Mr. Miyazaki and the entire company leadership for this opportunity to lead our operations and executions in the Americas and EMEA. I appreciate all of the incredible efforts Mr. Hiraoka has made to lay the groundwork for our operations in the Americas,” Curran explained.
“Coming off the success of Persona 5, Sonic Forces, Sonic Mania Plus, and the Yakuza series, and with so much more on the horizon, including Valkyria Chronicles 4, it is an incredible time to join the team. As part of the SEGA family, we are inheritors of an expansive body of work and opportunity which I plan to help reach its full potential.”
SEGA West CEO Tatsuyuki Miyazaki added: “To those who work in our offices, it is no secret that we have seen a surge of new staff as we explore new opportunities and titles for our audiences.
“Since relocating our offices from San Francisco to Irvine and Burbank, we have established an even stronger business with still more ample room for growth. As we grow, it becomes necessary for our business to expand its own leadership, incorporating new skills and ideas.
“It is with great excitement we welcome Ian to the SEGA family in this new COO role and as President of SEGA of America, roles necessary for our burgeoning success in the Americas. In support of Ian’s vision, senior management and I will work with him to ensure he has the support he needs to continue growing our business.”
To which, Atlus U.S.A. CEO and president Naoto Hiraoka shared: “We’ve been looking for someone to fill this role for some time, so we couldn’t be more pleased to have Ian join our operations as COO and President of SEGA of America.
“His many years of experience in video game publishing, leading, developing, and transforming organizations, is a perfect fit for our long-term aspirations and will be invaluable as we look to expand our business.
“I look forward to working alongside Ian in our common goal to take our work in the Americas and EMEA to new heights as I prepare to focus on my new role.”
