Microsoft hires R2 Studios, Amazon executive Blake Krikorian
updated 05:28 pm EST, Thu January 10, 2013
Hire likely to facilitate integration of new technologies into Xbox
Microsoft said on Thursday that as a result of its acquisition of id8 Group R2 Studios, it has hired technology maven Blake Krikorian to help run the interactive entertainment business for the Xbox gaming console. Krikorian will be the corporate vice president of the group, reporting directly to Marc Whitten, chief product officer for the Xbox division.
"We look forward to his contribution to our team as Xbox continues to evolve and transform the games and entertainment landscape," Whitten said in a statement. Microsoft has been gradually expanding the Xbox 360 beyond gaming to handle a number of media sources, such as Netflix, HBO, YouTube, and cable TV. R2 specializes in home automation technology
Besides his role in R2 Studios, Krikorian was part-owner of Sling Media. Krikorian resigned from the Amazon board of directors in the end of December after about a year in the position.
