Sega Expands Mobile Focus in West, Appoints Linda Chaplin VP of Mobile

via GameDaily

Former Electronic Arts veteran Linda Chaplin (right) has joined Sega of America to spearhead the company's mobile gaming expansion and new focus on the West. Sega said it intends to "become a serious player" in the mobile arena.

Much like Sega's console software business has shifted its focus over the last year or so to concentrate on Western markets, Sega is now looking to improve its mobile gaming business in the West as well. As part of this initiative, Sega of America today announced that it's appointed industry veteran Linda Chaplin as the new Vice President of Sega Mobile.

Chaplin will leverage her over 20 years of experience as she oversees mobile functions in North, Central and South America, including general management of operations, product development, sales and marketing of mobile content – functions that all were previously directed by Sega of Japan. She also will be responsible for "directing the expansion of Sega's mobile initiative and bolstering the company's drive to capitalize on the complex and growing mobile game market."

Sega has had a large mobile gaming presence in Japan and Korea, where handset technology and penetration has typically been ahead, but the company is now "committed to realizing opportunities in the West." Chaplin's appointment to the Americas division "underscores the company's commitment to develop content specifically targeted to Western audiences," Sega said.

In Chaplin's last role at Electronic Arts, she was responsible for heading up the leading publisher's mobile initiative as senior director of strategic sales and worldwide licensing. During her almost 12-year tenure at EA, Chaplin hired and managed the mobile sales team, negotiated licensing partnerships with Nokia, Iplay, and Jamdat and managed the in-game advertising sales team. Before joining EA, she also held sales management positions at Sony, Data East and Activision.

"Linda's industry knowledge will accelerate Sega's efforts to become a serious player in mobile markets," said Simon Jeffery, President and COO, Sega of America, Inc. "We're certain she will bring a fresh perspective to this division which holds enormous growth opportunities for the company."

"Sega is one of the most recognizable consumer brands in the game industry with well known and popular video game characters and franchises," added Chaplin. "I'm excited to expand Sega's mobile presence in the Americas utilizing our rich library of content as well as newly licensed properties."