The executive director of the International Game Developers Association (IGDA) Jen MacLean has stepped aside.

The news comes 14 months after MacLean took the role, with the executive director pursuing new career opportunities.

IGDA chair of the board Lucien Parsons will be stepping up as interim executive director until a replacement is found, while MacLean is staying on the board for one year to help assist with the transition.

“My time as executive director has been the most rewarding part of my time in the games industry, and I thank the IGDA board and staff for their support and hard work to help our developers. I’m proud especially of how we expanded the IGDA to truly represent our international mission and diverse membership," MacLean said.

“This was the ideal time for me to move on and for us to find a fresh new voice to guide the IGDA into the 2020s. In the interim, I know Lucien will continue our strong work."

Parsons added: “Jen’s tenure was a massive success. Her leadership helped us achieve incredible growth in membership signups and renewals. More studios and chapters are part of IGDA than at any point in the history of the organisation and their membership is more valuable to them than ever before thanks to the partnerships she brokered. Jen leaves the IGDA and its members in a great place, well positioned for our future.”

MacLean took the executive director role in February 2018, replacing Kate Edwards who departed in June 2017. This followed her stint as interim executive director from September 2017.