Former Zynga game executive Jim Veevaert will head International Game Technology’s DoubleDown Casino Division. IGT announced Veevaert will be vice president of games for the division.
The move comes just weeks after the founders of Seattle-based DoubleDown Interactive, Greg Enell and Cooper DuBois, left IGT. The company acquired DoubleDown in 2012 for $500 million with both at the helm.
Veevaert will oversee the long-term strategy for the popular DoubleDown Casino on Facebook and mobile devices. He will also create new games and run them through development, launch, and post-launch enhancement, the company said in a press release.
“IGT’s DoubleDown Casino is the authentic social casino experience, and I’m excited to be joining the team here in Seattle,” said Veevaert. “DoubleDown Casino is transforming gaming entertainment, and I’m passionate to bring great games to players across the Web and on mobile devices around the world.”
IGT is No. 2 in the social casino games market with a 12 percent market share behind Caesars Interactive Entertainment, which has 14.7 percent market share.
Prior to joining IGT, Veevaert was general manager of Zynga’s game studio in Seattle. He has spent 20 years in gaming and has experience ranging from console to social games, the release said.
“As we continue to grow IGT’s DoubleDown, this is the perfect opportunity for us to welcome Jim Veevaert and his vast gaming industry experience to the IGT family. Jim is truly at the top of his game, and he brings great talents that complement the strong existing senior leadership team at DoubleDown,” said John Vandemore, IGT executive vice president of emerging businesses. ”We look forward to propelling DoubleDown’s ascent, fueled by Jim’s leadership and ingenious vision, as we deliver best-in-class gaming content and player experiences.”
