Press release: 1995-02-15: Sega of America names Ribero as executive VP of marketing

This is an unaltered copy of a press release, for use as a primary source on Sega Retro. Please do not edit the contents below. Language: English Original source: The Free Library

REDWOOD CITY, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 15, 1995-- Interactive entertainment industry leader Sega of America Inc. Wednesday announced the appointment of Michael A. Ribero as executive vice president of marketing.

Ribero, 38, will be in charge of setting Sega's marketing strategy for all Sega's existing brands plus finding ways to extend the Sega brand and product line for future success.

Previously, Ribero had been executive vice president at Hilton Hotel Corp. where he was in charge of worldwide hotel and casino marketing, strategic planning, new business development and retail operations.

"Mike Ribero's dedication to understanding consumers and his passion for giving them what they want, wrapped up in creative marketing, will give us sure-footed marketing leadership for the competitive battles looming ahead," said Tom Kalinske, president and chief executive officer, Sega of America.

"Sega's outstanding brand recognition will become even stronger with Mike at the head of all marketing operations. We look forward to working with Mike to further Sega's growing legacy and bring the SEGA! scream to new audiences."

"Helping the Sega brand name reach the next level in such a dynamic and competitive environment is a challenge I'll take up with relish," said Ribero. "I, like the rest of America, have watched Sega create a household name with outstanding products and I look forward to extending the Sega brand equity that will enrich Sega's already prominent position in the interactive entertainment marketplace."

With the appointment of Ribero, executive vice president Paul Rioux, one of Sega's original "big three," will focus on sales, operations, finance, administration and overseeing Sega of Canada, in addition to Sega's expanding efforts in Mexico and Central America.

Under Rioux's guidance, Sega's marketing efforts helped the company cement marketshare leadership for the last two years and helped Sega land in the top five "cool" brands according to independent research.

During his six years at Hilton, Ribero revolutionized the company's marketing approach to capture significant share from primary competitors in the leisure and frequent business traveler segments. He also helped draw younger consumers and families into Hilton's aging consumer base with a variety of innovative programs.

Prior to his work at Hilton Hotels, Ribero held senior level marketing positions with Eastern Airlines, and Procter and Gamble.

Sega of America markets interactive entertainment hardware and software. Sega's No. 1 lineup includes Sega Genesis, the 16-bit industry leader with more than 500 titles; the Genesis 32X add-on, which delivers 32-bit power for all Genesis owners; Game Gear, the industry's leading color portable system; and, Sega CD, the leading CD-ROM gaming platform.

Later this year, Sega will add the Sega Saturn and the Genesis 32X System to the hardware family giving Sega the strongest platform lineup the industry has ever seen.

Ribero will relocate from Southern California to the San Francisco bay area with his wife, Brenda, and two young children.

Sega of America is the arm of Tokyo-based Sega Enterprises Ltd. responsible for the development, marketing and distribution of Sega products in the Americas. Sega Enterprises is a nearly $4 billion company recognized as a leader in interactive digital entertainment media, with operations on five continents.

CONTACT: Sega of America, Redwood City

Richard Brudvik-Lindner, 415/802-3658

or

Manning, Selvage & Lee

Greg Chiemingo, 818/509-1840
COPYRIGHT 1995 Business Wire
No portion of this article can be reproduced without the express written permission from the copyright holder.
Copyright 1995, Gale Group. All rights reserved. Gale Group is a Thomson Corporation Company.