UK-based ‘Out of Home’ VR firm Immotion Group has announced the appointment of Ian Hetherington chairman of Immotion Studios, the VR experience creation arm of Immotion Group.
Hetherington’s appointment comes as Ian Liddell, Immotion Group’s creative director, has notified the listed firm of his intention to step down in order to pursue other opportunities.
Hetherington will help oversee the ongoing commercial work with its Amsterdam-based client iP2Entertainment, involving the creation of a number of immersive experiences for National Geographic, as well as the creation of a catalogue of new experiences for Immotion, focused on our Partner markets.
Hetherington previously was MD of Sony Computer Entertainment Europe. Immotion said he was fundamental to the design and implementation of the Sony PlayStation, overseeing the launch of the product in Europe which made up over 80 per cent of the market share at launch.
He has published a number of leading PlayStation games including Wipeout, and Lemmings. He was also one of the mentors and backers of David Jones, the creator of Grand Theft Auto.
Consulting for the group for several months, Hetherington is now shaping the delivery of the firm’s future content creation and related resources and has taken part of his consultancy fee in Immotion shares.
Liddell, group creative director, notified the board of his intention to step down with immediate effect after being with the company since its IPO in 2018.
Liddell is stepping down to focus on his first passion, the creation of commercial and children’s TV animation.
Martin Higginson, Group CEO said: “I would like to thank Ian Liddell for all his hard work over the years. He has been a highly valued member of the Board and we wish him well in his new venture. We would also like to welcome Ian Hetherington to the team.
“Ian will I am sure add his own dynamism and commercial expertise to the creation of experiences. He is currently working on a number of highly engaging experiences, giving our Partner Sales team the perfect product for a number of our existing partners, as well giving us the perfect range of experiences for Zoos, Science Centres and Museums.”