SEGA of America Inc. announced today that interactive entertainment industry veteran Linda Chaplin has been appointed Vice President, SEGA Mobile. With over 20 years of game industry experience, Chaplin assumes responsibility for directing the expansion of SEGA's mobile initiative and bolstering the company's drive to capitalize on the complex and growing mobile game market, expected to reach $10 billion by 2009 according to Juniper Research.

In her new role, Chaplin assumes responsibility for functions in North, Central and South America previously directed by SEGA of Japan, including general management of operations, product development, sales and marketing of mobile content. SEGA has established a significant mobile gaming presence in Japan and Korea and is now committed to realizing opportunities in the West. The Americas division of SEGA Mobile underscores the company's commitment to develop content specifically targeted to Western audiences.

"Linda's industry knowledge will accelerate SEGA's efforts to become a serious player in mobile markets," said Simon Jeffery, President and COO, SEGA of America, Inc. "We're certain she will bring a fresh perspective to this division which holds enormous growth opportunities for the company."

"SEGA is one of the most recognizable consumer brands in the game industry with well known and popular video game characters and franchises," said Chaplin. "I'm excited to expand SEGA's mobile presence in the Americas utilizing our rich library of content as well as newly licensed properties."

Prior to joining SEGA, Chaplin spearheaded Electronic Arts' mobile initiative as senior director of strategic sales and worldwide licensing. In her nearly 12 year tenure she hired and managed the mobile sales team, negotiated licensing partnerships with Nokia, Iplay, and Jamdat and managed the in-game advertising sales team. Prior to joining Electronic Arts Chaplin held sales management positions at Sony, Data East and Activision.