Former Xbox boss Don Mattrick has resigned as CEO of social gaming outfit Zynga.
He is to be replaced by Zynga founder and chairman Mark Pincus who will, at his own request, take a $1 annual salary as CEO.
"When I joined the company in July 2013, Mark and I shared a vision of building a meaningful company that redefines entertainment in an increasingly mobile world," Mattrick commented in a press release. "I am proud of the progress we have made together. I believe the timing is now right for me to leave as CEO and let Mark lead the company into its next chapter given his passion for the founding vision and his ability to couple our mobile progress with Zynga's unique strengths.
"As a company, Zynga is in a stronger position today to serve mobile consumers and take advantage of the unprecedented growth opportunity across our industry. I am excited about the company's trajectory and wish the best for Mark, Zynga and NaturalMotion as I plan to return to Canada to pursue my next challenge."
In July 2013 – at a time the Xbox brand was overcoming a series of self-inflicted wounds in the run up to the Xbox One launch – Mattrick resigned as head of Microsoft's console division to head to Zynga.
The company continued to report heavy losses during Mattrick's tenure as CEO, including a $226 million loss for the last fiscal year leading to public calls from analysts for his resignation following Mattrick's remarks on what he described as "a year of progress."
What Mattrick intends to do next is currently unknown.
