Citing “personal reasons,” Jim Ward has announced his resignation as president of LucasArts.
Ward joined LucasFilm in 1997, taking over as president of LucasArts in 2004. While in that role, he also served as vice president of marketing and distribution at LucasFilm, overseeing the worldwide marketing efforts for all of the entertainment giant’s movie, television and video properties. His tenure as LucasArts president saw the development of numerous Star Wars franchise titles, including Knights of the Old Republic II, Republic Commando and the Lego Star Wars games.
In a statement to Kotaku, Ward wrote, “I am so proud of all people and the work we’ve done together at LucasArts over the past four years. It’s been an incredible experience. Together we’ve rebooted the company and set LucasArts on a path to even greater success. This is a fantastic team and they are positioned for their best year ever.”
According to public relations representative Margaret Grohne, Ward did not elaborate on his reasons for leaving, and said his resignation would take effect “in a couple of weeks,” adding that Ward “has set up a very strong company. He is leaving us in a very good place.”
“We’re starting a search for a new president and in the transition Howard Roffman, president of Lucas Licensing, will be stepping in,” Grohne said. “He has been with the company for over 25 years and very intimately connected with the games business.”
