Jurgen Post, a veteran of Sega Europe, has resigned from his position as Chief Operating Officer at West Studios. The role will be filled by Alex Pelletier-Normand from Rovio.

Rovio's Alex Pelletier-Normand is set to take over the role of COO at Sega Europe's West Studios, succeeding Jurgen Post, whose departure was hinted at through documents observed by GamesIndustry.biz. Alongside his new position, Pelletier-Normand will continue to serve as the CEO of the company known for Angry Birds, as announced in a recent press release.

Jurgen Post will maintain a presence at Sega Europe as an advisor. His responsibilities as regional managing director will transfer to Tatsuyuki Miyazaki, a seasoned Sega executive with over two decades of experience.

Sega president and COO Shuji Utsumi emphasized Post's contributions, noting his impact in reshaping the company’s trajectory after his return to Sega Europe in 2024. Utsumi expressed appreciation for Post's enduring guidance in his new role.

Discussing Pelletier-Normand's appointment, Utsumi remarked on his innovative leadership and the strategic advantage of a strengthened partnership between Sega and Rovio. Pelletier-Normand also expressed enthusiasm about fostering collaboration between Rovio and Sega Europe, highlighting the shared creative ambitions that he believes will benefit players globally.

Previously, Post had a significant career at Sega Europe, serving from 2006 to 2017 in roles such as managing director and later president and COO. After leaving Sega, he held positions with Tencent as president of international partners in Europe and later as CEO of Miniclip, before returning to Sega in 2024.

Pelletier-Normand’s tenure at Rovio began as EVP of games in 2019, ascending to CEO in 2021. His earlier career includes a lengthy period with Gameloft from 2003 to 2019.

Sega acquired Rovio, recognized for its Angry Birds franchise, in 2023 for €706 million. However, the acquisition posed challenges, including a $200 million impairment charge documented in February. Industry discussions have ensued regarding the acquisition’s shortcomings and potential future strategies for Rovio.