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Apr-23-2008Linden Lab Recruits New CEO(topic overview)
CONTENTS:
- "We wanted to find someone with an exceptional blend of strategic, analytic, business and leadership skills, but also with endless creativity and a passion for the company and growing the virtual worlds category," said Mitch Kapor, founder of Lotus Development Corporation and a Linden Lab board member. (More...)
- Before Organic, Kingdon worked with Idealab, a technology incubator. (More...)
- Kingdon is CEO of digital marketing agency Organic Inc, part of advertising giant Omnicom Group Inc (OMC.N: Quote, Profile, Research ), and a former senior partner at PricewaterhouseCoopers. (More...)
- Mr. Kingdon, 45 years old, will succeed founder Philip Rosedale, 39, who announced plans in March to give up the CEO. (More...)
- Kingdon led Organic for seven years since taking over from agency founder Jonathan Nelson in 2001. (More...)
- Just as children with the popular Webkinz plush toys get a code to activate an online character on the Webkinz site, children (and, we admit, adults) who buy one of four special Hello Kitty figurines will get access to codes that can be used in the new Hello Kitty virtual world. (More...)
- Interplay, TenNapel Partner For Earthworm Jim Game, Cartoon Revival Following recent news that it would be bringing Earthworm Jim to Virtual Console, Interplay has announced it is partnering with franchise creator Doug TenNapel to revive the brand with a new game, cartoon and film. (More...)
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"We wanted to find someone with an exceptional blend of strategic, analytic, business and leadership skills, but also with endless creativity and a passion for the company and growing the virtual worlds category," said Mitch Kapor, founder of Lotus Development Corporation and a Linden Lab board member. "Mark has demonstrated all of these attributes throughout his career, particularly at Organic, which, like Linden Lab, puts an incredible emphasis on overall user experience and design." "Joining Linden Lab at this moment in its evolution, with so much growth and opportunity on the horizon, is incredibly exciting and I look forward to working with Philip and the Linden Lab team to help Second Life realize its limitless potential," said Mark Kingdon, Chief Executive Officer, Linden Lab. [1] NEW YORK, April 22 (Reuters) - The company that created Web-based virtual world Second Life said on Tuesday it selected online marketing executive Mark Kingdon as its new chief executive, replacing founder Philip Rosedale. Linden Lab, the privately held company that created the popular virtual world, is looking for a new direction after the initial hype about Second Life produced a backlash among users and companies who were frustrated by its steep learning curve and lack of stability.[2] Linden Lab, the parent company of Second Life, has appointed a big name CEO: Mark Kingdon, till now the CEO of Omnicom digital agency Organic, is stepping down to come on as the CEO of Linden. Kingdon will succeed founder Philip Rosedale, the founder who gave up his CEO role earlier this year; he remains chairman. Kingdon will have his hands full: the once-hyped and then less-hyped virtual world company needs adult supervision and needs bigger audience and more diversification, both in terms of product lines and in terms of the kinds of sponsors it has attracted till now. Rosedale on the company blog : "He is going to start on May 15th.[3] San Francisco's Linden Lab, the creator of the popular virtual world Second Life, said digital advertising executive Mark Kingdon will become its CEO, following in the footsteps of founder Philip Rosedale, who stepped down last month.[4]
Linden Installs Mark Kingdon as New CEO Following last month's announcement that Linden Lab chief executive Philip Rosedale would be leaving his post to take over as chairman of the board, the Second Life developer has announced Mark Kingdon will take over as CEO starting May 15th.[5] Second Life creator Linden Lab has selected digital-strategy veteran Mark Kingdon as its new CEO, following Philip Rosedale's resignation from the post last month.[6]
NEW YORK Mark Kingdon, CEO of Omnicom Group digital agency Organic, is leaving the shop to take the post of chief executive at Linden Lab, the company behind the virtual world Second Life.[7] NEW YORK (Adage.com) -- Mark Kingdon, CEO of Omnicom digital agency Organic, is stepping down from his post to take over as CEO of Linden Lab, the developer of Second Life.[8]
Like I said when we started looking, I am not going anywhere, and will be working with Mark to help lead Linden and Second Life onward. I am really looking forward to working with him, as he has so many skills and capabilities that will help us and that I can also learn from -- here are a few: He will have an intense focus on improving the in-world experience and stability and reliability of Second Life. He has extensive hands-on experience with user experience design, which will be critical in making Second Life an easier and better experience for more people. He has a ton of experience leading companies and products with global reach, which is now essential given that the great majority of Second Life usage is international and Linden Lab will continue to grow as an international company with offices in many locations. Rosedale announced last month that he's stepping aside as CEO of Linden Lab. He said he will continue as full-time chairman and focus his attentions on overall strategy and technology, leaving the running of the company to the incoming CEO.[9] Philip Rosedale, founder of Linden Lab and the chairman of the company, in a statement said Mr. Kingdon's "management style, unwavering leadership in the face of great challenges, and approach to team-building exactly matches Linden's needs." Mr. Rosedale announced he was stepping down as the CEO of Linden Lab earlier this year.[8] Mark is the perfect choice," said Philip Rosedale, founder and chairman of the board, Linden Lab. "His management style, unwavering leadership in the face of great challenges, and approach to team-building exactly matches Linden's needs. He is a passionate believer in the potential of virtual worlds to change the world, and I look forward to working by his side while we watch it happen."[1]
Before Organic, Kingdon worked with Idealab, a technology incubator. Before that, he was a partner with the consulting division of PricewaterhouseCoopers, where he worked for 12 years. As you might imagine in a new leader of Linden Lab, there are lots of great things I could say about, but let me just pick a few and then encourage you to meet him in-world. He is a person with the rare and unusual combination of business leadership, creativity, and passion for Second Life that we were looking for. In terms of history, he has a background in art, economics, and business. He has been in successful and highly regarded leadership roles at two companies that are bigger than Linden Lab: PricewaterhouseCoopers and Organic. He is a well-loved people leader who is fearless and can weather challenges and change. He is going to start on May 15th. [9] Prior to Organic, Kingdon worked with idealab!, providing strategic guidance and operational support to emerging companies. Before that, Kingdon was a partner with the consulting division of PricewaterhouseCoopers, LLP (PwC), where he held a variety of senior roles throughout his twelve-year tenure. He received an MBA from the Wharton School of Business and a BA in Economics from UCLA. "Our search for the leader of Linden Lab demanded both tremendous business skills and a deep understanding and passion for Second Life and where it is going.[1]
Kingdon is sold on the promise of virtual worlds. In 2006, he wrote a column urging marketers to look at the potential opportunities in Second Life. "Our search for the leader of Linden Lab demanded both tremendous business skills and a deep understanding and passion for Second Life and where it is going.[4] The Second Life community today got its first good news in what seems like forever -- Linden Lab, the creator and operator of the virtual world, announced its pick for new CEO. At first glance, his resumé looks like the right combination of business acumen and creativity needed to restart the engines on the foundering ship.[9] Kingdon, the new CEO of Linden Lab, faces the big job of preserving the magic of Second Life while also starting to run Linden Lab like a mature technology business. I'm cautiously optimistic he'll prove up to the job.[9]
Kingdon, who served as CEO of Organic Inc., a San Francisco interactive marketing company, will work alongside Rosedale, who remains chairman of Linden Lab. He will have his work cut out for him as he tries to take Second Life to the masses, potentially even a public stock offering.[4] SAN FRANCISCO -- Linden Lab, developer of the animated environment Second Life, said it recruited Mark Kingdon to serve as the closely held company's chief executive officer.[10]
Since 2001, prior to joining Linden Lab, Kingdon served as chief executive officer of Organic Inc., a leading digital communications agency, establishing its reputation as a groundbreaking, innovative provider of user-centered design.[1]
Omnicom has loosely aligned Organic with BBDO, but it also works with other Omnicom shops, as well as agencies from other holding companies. It has become known for its persona-based development of Web experiences. Kingdon today informed Organic's 25 top executives, gathered in San Francisco for a meeting, of his decision to leave. "Everyone wishes him well," said Chad Stoller, executive director of Organic's emerging platforms group, which Kingdon formed in June 2006. "The only disappointment people have is he won't be the CEO anymore. Everyone understands it's a great opportunity at Linden." Kingdon joined Organic from the consulting world, having worked at new business incubator Idealab following a stretch at PricewaterhouseCoopers, where he led the retail and distribution practice. At Linden, Kingdon will inherit a company that is trying to deliver on its initial promise of creating a virtual world for the masses that could change how people interact.[7] Chuck Russo, Organic's chief development officer, CFO Marita Scarfi and Nelson will serve on a steering committee until a new chief executive is named. Kingdon led Organic in rebuilding its business following the dot-com crash in 2001. He helped navigate its integration within Omnicom following its steep stock decline, solidified its standing with longtime client Chrysler and attracted Bank of America and others key clients.[7]
Kingdon is CEO of digital marketing agency Organic Inc, part of advertising giant Omnicom Group Inc (OMC.N: Quote, Profile, Research ), and a former senior partner at PricewaterhouseCoopers. As of May 15, he will take control of day-to-day management and operations from Rosedale, who will become chairman and work on product development and strategy. Rosedale said Kingdon's history of overseeing complex projects paired with overall management expertise made him the most attractive candidate despite the lack of an explicit technology background. [2] Mark Kingdon worked as CEO of Organic Inc., a digital communications agency, since 2001.[9]
Most recently, Kingdon served as CEO of online-oriented marketing firm Organic Inc., and has also worked for business incubator idealab! and professional services firm PricewaterhouseCoopers.[5]
Kingdon's business background may be a help in shaking things up for Linden Lab. He made a name for himself at Organic with innovative user design. Before that, he worked at Idealab, which helped create technology companies.[4] Said Kingdon in a press release, "To me, the CEO role at Linden Lab combines perfectly my passions for art and design, business and technology."[5]
Rosedale will remain chairman of the company's board. "Our search for the leader of Linden Lab demanded both tremendous business skills and a deep understanding and passion for Second Life and where it is going.[6] The Second Life Grid is a sophisticated development platform created by Linden Lab, a company founded in 1999 by Philip Rosedale, to create a revolutionary new form of shared 3D experience.[1]
Mark is the perfect choice," Rosedale said in a statement, acknowledging that Linden Lab's new chief needed to know how to run a business, not just come up with cool ideas.[6]
Hiring a "business guy" to helm Linden Lab, rather than someone with a background in social networking or gaming, may be a sign that the company wants to achieve some corporate momentum and eventually go public. Before that, the company needs to get its act together.[6] Linden Lab will have to compete against sites that offer easier interfaces, something the company acknowledges it needs to work on to retain users.[4]
The total number of Second Life accounts went from 2 million in December 2006 to 13.35 million today. Server usage -- which Linden Lab calls "land sales" -- and the internal economy of virtual goods and services bought and sold with Linden Dollars are booming.[9] Like I said when we started looking, I am not going anywhere, and will be working with Mark to help lead Linden and Second Life onward. He will have an intense focus on improving the in-world experience and stability and reliability of Second Life."[3]
Mr. Kingdon could not immediately be reached for comment. Second Life, a virtual world, was a hotspot for marketers last year, but seems to have lost some of its luster this year.[8] By enabling users to create a rich and immersive virtual world, Second Life is transforming the way we connect, collaborate, learn and transact online."[5]
Making a curious comment on the technical history of online worlds, the executive added, "Until Second Life, we experienced the digital world passively in two dimensions.[5]
Second Life hasn't lived up to the breathless marketing hype of a year or two ago, and its chief technology officer left in December amid reported disputes.[6]
Mr. Kingdon, 45 years old, will succeed founder Philip Rosedale, 39, who announced plans in March to give up the CEO. [10] According to Linden, 414,000 were logged on over the past week Philip Rosedale, founder of Linden, stepped aside as CEO in March.[7]
Kingdon led Organic for seven years since taking over from agency founder Jonathan Nelson in 2001. The shop plans to begin a search for his successor immediately. [7] Kingdon comes equipped with an MBA from the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School of Business, as well as more than a half decade's worth of experience running digital-ad agency Organic.[6] Mr. Kingdon has worked as CEO of Organic since 2001. Prior to joining the agency, he was a partner with the consulting division of Pricewaterhouse Coopers.[8]
Just as children with the popular Webkinz plush toys get a code to activate an online character on the Webkinz site, children (and, we admit, adults) who buy one of four special Hello Kitty figurines will get access to codes that can be used in the new Hello Kitty virtual world. [4] Sanrio, the company behind Hello Kitty, the cat with no mouth, is also testing a separate Hello Kitty virtual world.[4]
Interplay, TenNapel Partner For Earthworm Jim Game, Cartoon Revival Following recent news that it would be bringing Earthworm Jim to Virtual Console, Interplay has announced it is partnering with franchise creator Doug TenNapel to revive the brand with a new game, cartoon and film. Analysis: The State Of Midway In 2008 Gamasutra attended publisher Midway's press event in Las Vegas late last week, and Christian Nutt returns to ask an important question - can this year's Midway break its losing streak and turn into a viable publishing entity? Much commentary within. [5] LittleBigPlanet Creators To Keynote GDC Paris Paris GDC organizers Connection Events and Think Services have announced that Media Molecule founders and LittleBigPlanet creators Mark Healey and Alex Evans will keynote this year's Paris GDC, set to take place June 23-24 at the Coeur D'fense Convention Centre, with April 23rd the last day for early bird registration rates.[5]
NEW YORK Nielsen Business Media today announced that Alison Fahey, veteran editor of Adweek, has been promoted to publisher/editorial director for the brand.[7] CNET News.com's Caroline McCarthy is a downtown Manhattanite who believes that, despite popular opinion, the Web can actually help your social life. She's happily addicted to fun social media tools from Twitter to Yelp to Facebook, sends an inordinate number of text messages, and has a tendency to waste time at the office reading restaurant blogs. She explores all facets of the Web's gregarious side, as well as the unique tech culture in her home city of New York. (Don't call it Silicon Alley.)[6]
SOURCES
1. Linden Lab Appoints Mark Kingdon As Chief Executive Officer
2. Linden Lab names marketing executive as new CEO | Markets | Markets News | Reuters
3. Industry Moves: Second Life Parent Appoints Former Organic CEO as Its New CEO - washingtonpost.com
4. TECH CHRONICLES / A daily dose of postings from The Chronicle's technology blog (sfgate.com/blogs/tech)
5. Gamasutra - Linden Installs Mark Kingdon as New CEO
6. Linden Lab selects Mark Kingdon as new CEO | The Social - CNET News.com
7. Organic CEO Kingdon Leaves for Second Life
8. CEO of Organic Takes Helm at Linden Lab - Advertising Age - Digital
9. Second Life Gets New CEO - Digital Life Blog - InformationWeek
10. Free Preview - WSJ.com
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