Today, THQ announced that they have decided to undergo a massive company reorganization. The publisher will have three new business units titled Core Games, Kids, Family and Casual Games and Online. All of the division managers will report directly to THQ President and CEO Brian Farrell.
“The new structure specifically aligns our primary business units with our product strategy, enabling each team to focus on planning and execution in highly defined product areas with full profit and loss responsibility,” said Farrell. “I look forward to working directly with Danny, Doug, Steve and Ian to execute on our focused strategic plan.”
Danny Bilson has been promoted to executive vice president of the Core Games division. He will head up production and marketing of THQ's various action, shooter, strategy, racing and fighting games. Bilson has worked in various forms of entertainment for 20 years and is a veteran of EA.
“I see this as a tremendous opportunity to build a portfolio of owned franchises for THQ,” said Bilson. “We have an exciting pipeline of games, including Darksiders and MX vs. ATV Reflex, which are scheduled for release this fiscal year, and Homefront and Warhammer 40,000 Space Marine, which were recently unveiled at the E3 trade show and are scheduled for release next fiscal year. By managing core games as a comprehensive business unit, my team can leverage our creative, development and marketing talents to deliver hit titles that resonate with our discriminating audience.”
Doug Clemmer has been made the executive vice president of Kids, Family and Casual Games. He will oversee the production and marketing of THQ's various family and casual games. Clemmer joined THQ after his publishing business, ValuSoft, was purchased by the publisher in 2002.
“For many years, THQ has delivered great family entertainment and my team understands the unique needs of this growing market segment,” said Clemmer. “Gaming platforms such as the Nintendo Wii and Microsoft’s recently announced ‘Project Natal’ are changing the way families play together and we are excited to develop gaming experiences that take full advantage of these platforms. Our strong portfolio includes original games such as Drawn to Life: The Next Chapter and World of Zoo, and games based on leading entertainment brands such as Marvel Super Hero Squad, Disney/Pixar’s Cars Race O’Rama, NBC’s The Biggest Loser and James Patterson’s Women’s Murder Club.”
Steve Dauterman will be the senior vice president of the Online division. He will head up all online initiatives, assisting the business unit leaders in their online goals. Dauterman has been senior vice president of product development in Asia Pacific, which is where he will continue to work from.
“We view the online gaming space worldwide as an important driver of THQ’s long-term growth. Our strategy is to leverage our established brands such as Company of Heroes, Warhammer 40,000 and WWE into the dedicated online space. We will also be exploring new game concepts and new business models in emerging regions,” said Dauterman. “My team will also work with our Core and Kids, Family and Casual gaming units to help make connectivity a part of their gaming experiences.”
Additionally, Ian Curran has been promoted from executive vice president of International business to executive vice president of Global Publishing. He will be responsible for sales, distribution and marketing worldwide. Curran has over 15 years of experience in publishing, having worked for companies like Time Warner.
So, effectively, THQ is going the "city state" route, not unlike EA did a couple years ago. It's not too surprising, given the company's push towards more core titles while still trying to retain their lucrative family-game lineup.
