Atari, Inc. (Paris:IFG) (Nasdaq:ATAR), one of the
world's most recognized brands and leading third-party video game
publisher, announced today the appointment of David Pierce as
President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective immediately.
Mr. Pierce is assuming the responsibilities of CEO previously held by
Bruno Bonnell.
In this role, Mr. Pierce assumes responsibility for the
operational management of Atari and will partner with Mr. Bonnell to
achieve strategic objectives of the Company. Mr. Bonnell will continue
to serve as the Company's Chairman and Chief Creative Officer (CCO),
steering the creative vision for Atari.
Mr. Pierce has a proven record in establishing and growing
companies. With more than 20 years of executive management experience
with major entertainment companies such as Universal Pictures, MGM,
Sony Pictures and Sony Music Entertainment, he brings an effective
management style focused on the successful execution of strategic
objectives and improving profitability. Mr. Pierce has successfully
launched and established significant market share for numerous media
devices. Additionally, his career covers the development and launch of
branded entertainment properties, franchise development and delivery
across multiple distribution channels.
"Atari has been a cornerstone of a global cultural movement that
forever changed how we experience entertainment. It's an honor for me
to have the opportunity to contribute to Atari's exciting future,"
stated Mr. Pierce. "There's a heritage of expectation that demands a
high level of responsibility to our consumers and the interactive
entertainment industry. I look forward to collaborating with the
gifted and passionate individuals at Atari to build on that heritage
and raise the bar on what consumers can expect."
Mr. Bonnell commented, "David has spent his career in the
entertainment business and has a clear understanding and appreciation
for our consumers. His leadership skills, first-hand operational
execution and keen focus on profitability and investment value make
him the ideal person to lead Atari."
"With David as my senior partner, we will strengthen the
capabilities of Atari. Our skill sets are complimentary and we share a
passion for providing consumers with compelling and unique
entertainment experiences. David's track record is stellar and we are
privileged to have an executive of his caliber and reputation leading
Atari."
As Executive Vice President and General Manager, Mr. Pierce
spearheaded the complete restructuring and turnaround of Sony Wonder,
a division of SONY BMG Music Entertainment. Under his leadership, the
company achieved record revenue and multiple years of record profits.
Prior to Sony Wonder, Mr. Pierce was the Senior Vice President of
Columbia Tristar Home Video, a division of Sony Pictures
Entertainment, from 1989 through 1994. Mr. Pierce was recruited to
help devise and execute a complete reorganization of the company.
Specific areas of focus included the reorganization of personnel,
establishing sound financial controls, development of distribution
strategies and establishing sales and marketing initiatives. Over a
five year period, Mr. Pierce increased revenues, achieved record net
contribution results and developed strategic distribution
relationships with several leading entertainment companies including
Sony Electronic Publishing, Epic Home Video and New Line Pictures. In
1984, Mr. Pierce was recruited by New World Pictures to launch the
company's video division, New World Home Entertainment. Through unique
advertising campaigns and creative sales promotion, he established New
World as the industry leader amongst independent production companies.
About Atari
New York-based Atari, Inc. (Nasdaq: ATAR) develops interactive
games for all platforms and is one of the largest third-party
publishers of interactive entertainment software in the U.S. The
Company's 1,000+ titles include hard-core, genre-defining franchises
such as The Matrix(TM) (Enter The Matrix and The Matrix: Path of Neo)
and Test Drive(R); and mass-market and children's franchises such as
Nickelodeon's Blue's Clues(TM) and Dora the Explorer(TM), and Dragon
Ball Z(R). Atari, Inc. is a majority-owned subsidiary of France-based
Infogrames Entertainment SA (Euronext - ISIN: FR-0000052573), the
largest interactive games publisher in Europe. For more information,
visit www.atari.com.
Safe Harbor Statement
With the exception of the historical information contained in this
release, the matters described herein contain certain "forward-looking
statements" that are made pursuant to the Safe Harbor provisions of
the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking
statements in this release are not promises or guarantees and are
subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual results
to differ materially from those anticipated. These statements are
based on management's current expectations and assumptions and are
naturally subject to uncertainty and changes in circumstances. We
caution you not to place undue reliance upon any such forward-looking
statements. Actual results may vary materially from those expressed or
implied by the statements herein. Some of the factors which could
cause our results to differ materially include the following: the loss
of key customers, such as Wal-Mart, Best Buy, Target, GameStop and EB
Games; delays in product development and related product release
schedules; inability to secure capital; adapting to the rapidly
changing industry technology, including new console technology;
maintaining relationships with leading independent video game software
developers; maintaining or acquiring licenses to intellectual
property; fluctuations in the Company's quarterly net revenues and
results of operations based on the seasonality of our industry; the
termination or modification of our agreements with hardware
manufacturers; and other factors described in our SEC filings.
The Company undertakes no duty to update any forward-looking
statements to conform the statement to actual results or changes in
the Company's expectations.
