The iconic figure from Microsoft’s games division is leaving the company to pursue other interests in the industry, while the largest publisher and developer in the world, Electronic Arts, will provide his replacement.

Don Mattrick, a former president at Electronic Arts Inc. (EA), will lead the Interactive Entertainment Business (IEB) at Redmond, which includes overseeing the Xbox and Games for Windows businesses, replacing former executive corporate vice president Peter Moore, which has secured another opportunity in the industry.

Mattrick’s new job will commence July 30. He is the co-founder of Distinctive Software, which merged with Electronic Arts back in 1991, after 9 years of private functioning.

Mattrick held various senior positions within EA, most recently as president of Worldwide Studios, until his resignation in February 2006. In February 2007, Mattrick began working with the Entertainment and Devices Division at Microsoft as an external advisor.

"Peter has contributed enormously to the games business since joining Microsoft in 2003 and we are sad to see him go," said Robbie Bach, president of Entertainment and Devices Division at Microsoft. "Since that time, he presided over the global launch of the Xbox 360, spearheaded a revitalized and rebranded Games for Windows business, and helped steer the console's ascent."

Peter Moore decided to return along with his family to the Bay Area, but will continue to assist his newly appointed replacement at Microsoft during the month of August, to ensure a smooth transition. The following period is one of the most important in years for Microsoft’s games division, with the imminent launch of the long-expected Halo 3 for Xbox 360, Gears of War for PC and tons of new games for the next-gen console.

"While Peter will certainly be missed, we are delighted to have one of the industry's most talented and passionate veterans on board to lead the business," Bach said. "Don is well-known and respected throughout the industry for his deep knowledge, technical expertise and management savvy. Under Don's leadership, the games team is looking forward to embarking on our biggest holiday ever, with a wide-ranging roster of some of the most highly anticipated titles."

"Over the past two decades, and the past few months in particular, I've worked closely with many of Microsoft's top leaders and I've always been impressed by their talent, passion and commitment," said Mattrick. "I'm thrilled to join an already strong team that's delivering truly amazing gaming experiences to customers around the world. I've never been more excited about the future of the industry, and firmly believe Microsoft will lead the next great innovations in gaming."

Microsoft is now benefiting from Mattrick’s 23 years of experience in the gaming business, where he has contributed to the launch of highly praised titles like Need for Speed or The Sims.

Moore joined Microsoft in January 2003, bringing with him more than 20 years of experience and leadership in consumer businesses. Most recently, Moore was president and COO of SEGA of America, where he was responsible for overseeing SEGA’s video game business in North America. Moore played a pivotal role in the company’s decision to change its business strategy to become a platform-agnostic software publisher.

At SEGA, Moore also served as senior vice president, a position in which he was responsible for all marketing initiatives, including the launch of SEGA Dreamcast. Before that, Moore was senior vice president of marketing at Reebok International Ltd., where he oversaw a staff of 450, in addition to the global budget. Earlier in his career, Moore was president of Patrick USA, the U.S. subsidiary of the popular French sportswear company, managing all the company’s operations: marketing, sales, finance and distribution.

Moore holds a bachelor’s degree from Keele University, United Kingdom, and a master’s degree from California State University, Long Beach.