Appointments add a wealth of communications experience to trade association as next chapter in the video game industry is written
WASHINGTON — May 7, 2018 — The Entertainment Software Association (ESA) today announced the addition of Andrew Bowins, as senior vice president, communications and industry affairs, and Nika Nour, as head of public affairs and strategic advisor to the CEO, to its leadership team. The appointments mark the association’s continued investment in people and resources focused on showcasing the impact of the $36 billion US video game industry to policy makers, elected officials, press, gamers, and the public.
Bowins brings more than 20 years of experience in communications and issues management, working with leading consumer technology companies Amazon, Dell, Nintendo, Nokia, Samsung, MasterCard, and Sony Interactive Entertainment. PR News and the Bull Dog Group named him Brand Manager of the Year and Digital Communicator of the Year, respectively, and the Holmes Report included him in its Annual In2 Top 25 Innovators list for 2014. PR News inducted him into its Hall of Fame in 2013.
“Andrew is a proven and accomplished communications professional with deep experience in world-class consumer technology brands,” said ESA President and CEO Michael D. Gallagher. “His global perspective and social media expertise make him a great fit for the creativity and innovation of the video game industry, and his energy and experience will be great additions to the ESA leadership team.”
Most recently, Bowins served as executive director of corporate reputation and communications at KPMG US, where he led the firm’s first integrated communications group that merged online, social, and digital media with traditional corporate communications to advance campaign-driven reputation programming and industry thought leadership for the firm. He previously served as vice president of corporate communications and reputation at Samsung Electronics America.
“Andrew is an outstanding leader with a gift for building relationships that motivate and empower his teams to do incredible work,” said W2O Group Vice Chair and Chief of Innovation Bob Pearson. “His talents and experience in consumer technology will be assets that propel ESA and its members to even greater success in the years to come.”
In his new role as ESA’s senior vice president of communications and industry affairs, Bowins leads a highly experienced team responsible for positioning ESA and the video game industry as thought leaders and global influencers through partnerships, events, media outreach, digital and online communications, research, and member communications. The position includes management of E3, the video game industry’s annual flagship event, and responsibility for guiding the ESA Foundation, the industry’s philanthropic organization.
“Joining ESA as a champion and advocate for the most inventive entertainment industry on earth marks a career highlight for me,” Bowins said. “I look forward to bringing my passion, expertise, and vision to the ESA team and its membership as the next chapter of the video game industry is being written.”
As head of public affairs and strategic advisor to the CEO, Nour is responsible for driving ESA’s message at the critical intersection of public and government relations, within federal and state government and the gamer community. She also collaborates on ESA’s outreach to video game players nationwide and takes a leading role in emphasizing the industry’s commitment to diversity and inclusion. Her experience on ESA’s federal advocacy team for the past two years coupled with her communications background at the Internet Association and the US House Committee on Energy and Commerce ideally position her for success in this newly created role.
“Nika’s track record of fusing creativity, engagement, and policy impact is well known in Washington,” Gallagher said. “Her blend of experience with policymakers, the media, game makers, and gamers will boost ESA’s public affairs messaging and programs.”
“Nika’s tenacity, startup mindset, and passion for video games and tech, position her to succeed in her new role,” said Internet Association President and CEO Michael Beckerman. “She is a proven connector that helps to bridge tech with Washington in an effective, approachable way.”
“The intersection between policy and interactive entertainment is vital to protecting our industry,” Nour said. “I look forward to being a voice that is committed to empowering women, diversity, and inclusivity for gamers and the video game community.”
About ESA
ESA offers a wide range of services to interactive entertainment software companies, including conducting business and consumer research; providing legal and policy analysis and advocacy on First Amendment, intellectual property, and technology/e-commerce issues; managing a global content protection program; owning and operating E3; and representing video game industry interests in federal and state government relations. For more information, visit ESA’s website or follow ESA on Twitter @theESA or @ESAGovAffairs.
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