Jim Ryan to Take Over as CEO of PartyGaming

PartyGaming has announced that Jim Ryan will be their next Chief Executive Officer, taking over for current CEO Mitch Garber on May 16th, 2008.

Ryan’s credentials are impressive: former CEO of St Minver Limited which provides European white label internet gaming solutions, former CEO of Excapsa Software Inc, an AIM listed developer of interactive gaming software solutions and Chief Financial Officer of CryptoLogic Inc, an LSE, NASDAQ and TSX listed internet gaming software development company.

Ryan’s appointment is only one of three major business announcements made by the owners of PartyPoker yesterday at a London press conference.

In a move which signals the end of an era in the online gaming giant’s existence and the beginning of another, former CEO and current Non-Executive Chairman, Michael Jackson will step down from all positions in the coming months. No announcement has yet been made on his replacement.

PartyGaming has also announced the promotion of John O'Malia to Managing Director from his previous position as Chief Games Officer.
Jackson on PartyGaming’s major moves:

The Board is delighted to have appointed Jim Ryan after a rigorous search and selection process that considered a broad range of candidates. Jim has a wealth of experience that will be invaluable in steering the Group through its important next phase of development.
 
Jim's experience, coupled with John O'Malia's proven success in managing PartyGaming's profitability enhancements over the past year, will be a powerful combination in driving the Company forward and continuing to enhance the value and appeal of PartyGaming's brands and gaming products.

For his part, Garber has stated that the split is amicable and he is looking forward to returning to North America to spend more time with his family.