Sega's European arm has a new COO and president.

Gary Dale takes up the top job as of next Monday (July 2nd) and will be managing the overall business. This includes the developers Sega Europe owns, its relationships with other studios it is publishing.

Dale comes on board having worked at the likes of Take-Two, Rockstar and Capcom. Prior to joining the games market, he worked in marketing and entertainment, including stints at Disney and Aardman Animation.

"Sega is an iconic business with a fantastic heritage and I am relishing the challenge of stepping back into a full-time operational role within the games industry.” said Dale.

“Sega Europe collaborates with its owned studios in a unique way for a publisher of its size and the opportunity to be a part of that and grow the business out into other areas is an exciting one.”

Sega West Business MD Tatsuyuki Miyazaki added: “Everyone at SEGA Europe and its studios is delighted to welcome Gary to the team. His track record working with some of the biggest names in entertainment and gaming speaks for itself. Myself and the senior management team will be working very closely to support him as he settles into his new role and we’re looking forward to further growth and expansion during his tenure.”