Glu Mobile is tapping an industry veteran as its new president and CEO. The company yesterday announced that Niccolo de Masi, former CEO of Hands-On Mobile, has taken on the role.
Besides leading mobile publisher Hands-On Mobile, de Masi served as CEO of the London-listed mobile entertainment company Monstermob Group from June 2006 to February 2007. Before joining Monstermob, he worked in a variety of corporate finance and operational roles in the technology, media and telecom sector, including a stint at JP Morgan. He also was a physicist with Siemens Solar.
In a statement, de Masi said he looks forward to using Glu's scale to enhance its market share in both the traditional carrier business and new platforms, such as the iPhone and social networks.
As part of the deal, de Masi was awarded the option to purchase 1.25 million shares of Glu's common stock based on Monday's closing price, which was $1.21.
De Masi replaces board co-chairman Bill Miller, who took the interim CEO role in December when former CEO Greg Ballard left. Ballard announced his departure in July after six years with the company, saying he planned to pursue a new challenge.