Jobs Roundup: January 2026 | Chris Leggett joins Microsoft as Xbox senior communications manager

It can be difficult keeping track of the various comings and goings in the games industry, which is why we compile them in semi-regular round-ups.

If you have new appointments or transitions in your company that belong here, please send the names of appointees, new role and company, and prior role and company to newhires@gamesindustry.biz.

Chris Leggett | Xbox senior communications manager, Microsoft

Microsoft has appointed Chris Leggett as Xbox senior communications manager.

Leggett previously supported Xbox communications for four years at Assembly Media, working on the launches of Xbox Cloud Gaming and Xbox Series X|S.

Between his positions at Assembly and Microsoft, Leggett was PR manager at Amazon Game Studios.

Leggett also worked with Microsoft while holding senior management positions at WE Communications, working on Windows Mixed Reality and Microsoft HoloLens.

“I’m stoked to work on Xbox once more and to reunite with several incredible colleagues across both the Xbox and Assembly teams,” said Leggett. “I’m excited to get to know many new faces as well.”

Frontier Developments appoints Jo Cooke as CEO

Jo Cooke has been appointed CEO at Frontier Developments.

Cooke was chief marketing officer at Frontier, having returned to the company in 2025 after originally joining in 2014 as director of marketing, ecommerce, and publishing.

Prior to rejoining Frontier, Cooke was group director at Bastion. She started her career at Ocean Software as marketing manager in 1990, then moving to Maxis/Electronic Arts as European general manager.

Cooke also held marketing leadership positions at Bossa Studios and Curve Games.

“I have been passed the CEO baton by the wonderful Jonny Watts, big shoes to fill but I am very much looking forward to continuing with the strategy he has set,” said Cooke.

“Delighting our players and delivering more amazing creative management sim games from Frontier in the coming years.”

Leadership changes at Nitro Games

Finnish developer Nitro Games has promoted Antti Ruonala to COO and Milka Tarkiainen to CPO.

Ruonala was previously head of operations, having joined in 2014 as business development assistant. He held various leadership positions, including head of B2B, business development director, and head of business development.

Tarkiainen was director of PeopleOps before her promotion. She joined in 2017 as marketing coordinator, having worked in HR management roles.

“During my close to nine-year-long journey at Nitro Games, I’ve learned more than I ever thought possible,” said Tarkiainen.

“Thanks to the almost unwavering trust and freedom to explore from Jussi Tähtinen and Antti Villanen, I have had the opportunity and absolute pleasure to help build Nitro to what it is now from the HR perspective.”

She added: “We have tried, measured, failed, succeeded, lost, gained and learned a ton, and it has prepped me to be ready for this next chapter and responsibility within the company I love so dearly.”

Jay Kim | General Manager of Korea, Kuro Games

Jay Kim has joined Kuro Games as general manager of Korea.

Kim previously held general managerial roles for Korea at Infold and Scopely, both for over two years.

He was also head of business development at mobile game publisher Tilting Point for Korea and Japan.

Kim started his career in the games industry at Razer in 2010 as Korea country manager, then held the same position at Glu Mobile.

“I am thrilled to announce my new role as General Manager of Korea at Kuro Games,” said Kim. “I have always admired developers who prioritize player experience above all else. Kuro Games is a perfect example of this.

“I am honored to lead the Korean branch and look forward to building even stronger local communities and delivering world-class service to our fans in Korea.”

Johny Scaglione | Executive producer, Azra Games

Johny Scaglione has been promoted to executive producer at Azra Games.

Scaglione joined the developer in 2024 as senior director of production.

He previously worked at Scopely for five years, starting as senior producer before becoming lead producer in 2021, then production director in 2023.

Scaglione was also assistant producer at Electronic Arts for six years, and held producer roles at IUGO Mobile Entertainment and Offworld Industries.

Jeremy Griffith | Creative director, Theorycraft Games

Jeremy Griffith has been promoted to creative director of Theorycraft Games.

Griffith joined the developer in 2021 as principal VFX artist, going on to work as senior game designer.

Before Theorycraft, he was lead VFX artist at Cloud Chamber, and senior VFX artist at Riot Games. Also provided remote FX development work for multiple clients.

“2025 brought a lot of challenges, but I am excited to announce that I am taking on the role of Creative Director at Theorycraft Games,” said Griffith.

“I am very grateful for the opportunity to bring my whole skill-stack to bear on some cool problems and new fun.”