THQ appoints former WWE exec as new vice president of business and legal affairs

News by Stephany Nunneley-Jackson News Editor

Published on Sept. 8, 2009

THQ has announced that Edward L. Kaufman has been appointed the new executive vice president of business and legal affairs, and corporate secretary for the company.

“We are pleased to strengthen our management team with an experienced general counsel who has spent many years in the media and entertainment business,” said THQ president and CEO Brian Farrell in a statement.

“I am impressed with THQ’s strong turnaround and am excited to join the team as the company moves forward with its new more focused strategic plan," said Kaufman in the same release issued to the press. "I look forward to helping THQ capitalize on the opportunities for growth in the interactive entertainment industry.”

Kaufman was previously executive vice president, legal counsel, and secretary of World Wrestling Entertainment, were he worked for 12 years. Prior to that, he was employed with Hanna-Barbera, and NBC.

Press release through the break.

AGOURA HILLS, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--THQ Inc. (NASDAQ:THQI - News) today announced the appointment of Edward L. Kaufman as executive vice president, business and legal affairs, and corporate secretary, effective today.

Kaufman’s extensive career includes more than 15 years in senior legal management roles at leading media, entertainment and consumer product companies. Most recently, Kaufman was executive vice president, general counsel and secretary of World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. (WWE). He joined the WWE in 1997 from Hanna-Barbera, Inc., where he was director, business and legal affairs. Prior to Hanna-Barbera, Inc., Kaufman was with National Broadcasting Company (NBC). Kaufman is licensed to practice in Connecticut and California. He earned a J.D. from Stanford Law School and a Bachelor's degree with Honors from the University of Virginia.

“We are pleased to strengthen our management team with an experienced general counsel who has spent many years in the media and entertainment business,” said Brian Farrell, president and CEO, THQ.

Edward Kaufman said, “I am impressed with THQ’s strong turnaround and am excited to join the team as the company moves forward with its new more focused strategic plan. I look forward to helping THQ capitalize on the opportunities for growth in the interactive entertainment industry.”