In response to recent developments, Unity is undergoing a leadership transition, as CEO John Riccitiello steps down from his role.
The game engine company announced that, effective immediately, John, aged 65, will retire and relinquish his position as a member of Unity's Board of Directors.
As part of this transition, he will take on an advisory role.
John went on to thank the Unity team for their support:
"It's been a privilege to lead Unity for nearly a decade and serve our employees, customers, developers and partners, all of whom have been instrumental to the Company's growth. I look forward to supporting Unity through this transition and following the Company's future success."
New Positions' Appointment In Unity
James Whitehurst has been appointed to serve as the interim CEO and President of Unity and will also join the company's board.
James expressed his confidence in a statement:
“I am confident that Unity is well-positioned to continue enhancing its platform, strengthening its community of customers, developers, and partners, and focusing on its growth and profitability goals.”
Meanwhile, Roelof Botha assumes the role of Chairman at Unity.
Roelof praised John in his statement:
“John has led Unity through incredible growth over the last nearly 10 years, helping us transition from a perpetual license to a subscription model, enabling developers to monetise, building other game services to serve our creator community, leading us through an IPO and positioning us as a pioneer in the developer community."
The board is actively engaged in the search for a permanent successor to fill John's positions.
Possible Controversy Leading to Unity CEO's Departure
John's association with Unity dates back a decade, beginning in 2013 when he joined the board, and he took on the CEO role in 2014.
His extensive prior experience includes leadership positions at Electronic Arts, where he served as CEO, COO, and president.
His comes amidst controversy surrounding Unity's recent announcement of an "Unity Runtime Fee" for developers, based on revenue and installation numbers, rather than the previously employed revenue-sharing model.