New Boss -- Boss Media has appointed Michael Hallen, former chief executive of Swedish business software firm IFS, as its CEO. "The board of directors is delighted at having recruited Michael who, based on his experience of both software development and international operations, will further strengthen [our] strategic focus on becoming a complete supplier of platforms for digitally distributed game-based entertainment for international customers in the gaming industry," said board chairman Meg Tiveus. On May 10, the company announced that former CEO Johan Berg would step down, to be temporarily replaced by biz development head Markus Holm. Hallen will begin his tenure July 1, 2007.
Launched -- Gnuf will launch its Scandinavia-focused online casino on Microgaming software. "Gnuf has quickly established itself as one of Europe's most entertaining gaming sites and the move to add casino will undoubtedly strengthen their position," said Microgaming CEO Roger Raatgever.
Appointed -- Mobile Interactive Group has appointed Rob Weisz as its wholesale billing products and services director. Weisz will oversee the strategic development of mobile billing products, SMS, MMS, WAP Billing Video and Voice shortcode services.
Up-and-Coming -- Forbes carries a report on up-and-coming mobile gaming publisher Glu. Forbes associate editor Nikhil Hutheesing calls shares in the company--which began trading on the NASDAQ March 21--"attractive," given the outlook for strong growth in the market and the "smart steps that Glu is taking to expand its business." Even after reporting a 94 percent increase in first-quarter consolidated revenue, however, investors should consider a couple of risks, Hutheesing writes. "One: More than 50 percent of Glu's revenue in 2006 came from licenses that expire in 2006," he says. "While I expect Glu will be able to renew those licenses, any fallout will hurt the bottom line. Two: As a percentage of sales, operating expenses were close to 70 percent, with R&D representing approximately half of that. While this could beneficial in the long run, it could delay Glu's ability to achieve profitability in the near term."
It's Good to be Mitch -- PartyGaming CEO Mitch Garber, in accordance with his planned sale program announced in March, today sold 4,366,666 shares at 39.07 pence per share. Garber has a remaining share holding of over 4.5 million shares. The company also said Garber gifted 300,000 shares to its employee benefit trust, all of which he recommended be distributed among "employees demonstrating an outstanding commitment to helping the company achieve its objectives in 2007 or who come up with exemplary entrepreneurial ideas for [its] business."
Mopping Up -- The annual London-based shows that comprise ICE, ICEi and ATEI were named Trade Show of the Year at the Association of Event Organizers (AEO) Excellence Awards 2007. ATE chief executive Peter Rusbridge was on hand with other senior staff to collect the award at the event in Old Billingsgate, in the City of London.
Stock Watch -- On the LSE, PartyGaming was down 0.75p to 39.00, Ladbrokes was up 5.50p to 439.25 and Playtech was down 10p to 380.75.