Big Fish appoints former Zynga exec as new president
Jeff Karp takes over top job from interim chief Jeff Goldstein
Big Fish Games has appointed a new managing director and president in the form of video game industry veteran Jeff Karp.
Karp has more than 15 years in senior executive roles with leading companies in the video games industry, including Zynga, GSN Games and EA.
He replaces Big Fish founder and former CEO Paul Thelen, who left following Big Fish’s $990m acquisition by Australia’s Aristocrat Technologies, which was completed in January.
The company was being managed on an interim basis by Aristocrat’s chief digital officer and chief strategy officer Jeff Goldstein.
“I am delighted to welcome Jeff Karp to Big Fish,” said Goldstein. “Jeff’s expertise in growing games into global entertainment franchises is unsurpassed. His proven track record and deep experience in the games industry make him the ideal person to drive Big Fish’s growth strategy, and ensure the business delivers its full potential.”
Big Fish is currently appealing a ruling from a federal appeals court which deemed that the Big Fish Casino constituted illegal online gambling.
Karp added: “I am honored to be working with such a creative and talented group, who are focused on enhancing life through exceptional play.
“Big Fish is a content-rich company and its employees are passionate about making great games that bring joy and fun to millions of players around the world. I look forward to working with everyone at Big Fish to deliver our growth plans for the benefit of our players, our people and all our stakeholders.”