The International Game Developers Association (IGDA) has appointed Joshua Caulfield as it new executive director.

Described as an avid gamer who has held a number of senior positions in business management and marketing, Caulfield was most recently executive vice president of the American Machine Tool Distributors’ Association.

“The decision to hire someone from outside the games industry was not taken lightly,” said Bob Bates, chairman of the IGDA. “But when the board examined the challenges we face, we realised our key volunteers already have a wealth of industry knowledge, and what we needed was an experienced association professional to help us manage the organisation to better serve the needs of our SIGs, Chapters, and members worldwide.”

World Of Warcraft fan Caulfield added: “The games industry is filled with talented people and the IGDA has a position of great importance in representing the development community. The opportunity to work with the board and become a greater catalyst in the growth of the association is something that fits perfectly with my experience and capabilities. I’m confident the IGDA will become an even greater organisation over the next several years.”

In February the IGDA announced that Jason Della Rocca would be stepping down as executive director following nine years with the organisation.