While other companies talk of mergers and acquisitions, EA is taking a different route. The company is undergoing internal restructuring, splitting EA Sports and EA Games as two separate entities.
In a surprise move, Electronic Arts announced a major shakeup within the organization. EA CEO Andrew Wilson confirmed that the company is realigning its major studios and leadership structure in a bid to "empower our creative teams."
The resulting shakeup will see EA Games and EA Sports splitting into two distinct entities. EA Games will be renamed EA Entertainment, suggesting that the company plans to expand beyond just video games. Today, we are announcing the next step of our strategy by aligning our studios into two organizations that report to me — EA Entertainment and EA SPORTS.
This evolution of our company continues to empower our studio leaders with more creative ownership and financial accountability to make faster and more insightful decisions around development and go to market strategies. These steps will accelerate our business, drive growth, and deliver long-term value for our people, our players, and our communities. EA Entertainment will oversee the development of the Battlefield franchise.
Laura Maiele has been appointed as president of EA Entertainment, Technology & Central Development. The leadership team will be structured much like before the two entities split. Vince Zampella will be overseeing the development of Apex Legends, Star Wars games, and the Battlefield franchise. Samantha Ryan is in charge of "lifestyle franchises and blockbuster single-player experiences" while Jeff Karp will lead the mobile development teams.