RealNetworks Hires New Mobile Entertainment President
RealNetworks said it has hired Max Pellegrini to run its mobile entertainment division, which offers a range of services to carriers and device manufacturers.
He replaces Mike Lunsford, who is leaving the Seattle-based company after five years.
In his new job, Pellegrini will also be charged with developing new consumer services for smartphones. Pellegrini comes from premium mobile Web firm Dada.net, where he was chairman and CEO. Dada was acquired by mobile entertainment company Buongiorno in 2011, which was then bought by NTT DoCoMo last year.
RealNetworks is attempting to reinvigorate its business under the leadership of its founder and chairman, Rob Glaser, who is currently interim CEO, by focusing on some core areas, such as mobile entertainment.
It reaches consumers via partnerships with carriers such as T-Mobile and Verizon, offering ring-back tones, ring tones and music on demand.