Videogame publisher Electronic Arts Inc. said John Schappert, one of Microsoft Corp.’s key videogame executives, is returning to EA as chief operating officer.
In his earlier EA tenure, he was a software engineer and eventually held leadership positions on some of the publisher’s biggest titles, including Madden NFL, NCAA Football, and EA’s Tiger Woods golf games. He founded Tiburon Entertainment studio, which developed those games, in 1994. EA bought Tiburon in 1998.
Schappert, who led many of Electronic Arts’ biggest games such as FIFA Soccer, NHL Hockey and Need For Speed, joined Microsoft in 2007, spearheading the company’s creation of online services for its Xbox game console.
“We are thrilled to welcome John Schappert back to EA,” said EA CEO John Riccitiello in a statement. “He has a great track record as a leader and innovator in our industry. His years of experience with EA and in Microsoft’s Xbox business provide him great insight into recognizing what consumers want.” For his part, Schappert said, “I’ve got EA in my blood.”
Before leaving for Microsoft, Mr. Schappert oversaw EA’s studios as well as most of the company’s online infrastructure. His new job will carry broader authority, overseeing all of EA’s publishing, including online and packaged games, online distribution infrastructure, corporate development and strategic planning.
After joining Microsoft in 2007, Schappert helped create the LIVE Software Division and later took on oversight of Microsoft Game Studios and Xbox LIVE. Under Schappert, Xbox LIVE grew from 6 million members to 20 million members.
Mr. Schappert will receive $600,000 in annual salary, options to purchase 500,000 EA shares, and a $1 million sign-on bonus to replace awards he is forfeiting to join EA, according to a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
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