Sims get new head of household

EA's Sims Label may only put out an all-new installment in its widely popular life-simulation franchise every five years, but it remains a perennial moneymaker for the publishing giant thanks to its focus on frequent add-on packs and expansions. Today, EA announced that its cash cow has a new cattle rustler.

Formerly under the guidance of Nancy Smith, EA said today that Rod Humble will take over the label as executive vice president and head. EA noted that Smith will remain onboard as a manager of "special projects" related to Sims, up until she transitions into a new executive role at the publishing house.

"Like Nancy Smith before him, Rod Humble has demonstrated strong leadership in defining EA's The Sims brand as a stand-alone product label," commented EA CEO John Riccitiello. "Rod has great creative instincts, uncompromising quality standards, a deep connection with the player community, and most of all, the respect of the team he works with."

Humble had previously served as executive producer on The Sims franchise since joining EA in 2004. Prior to that role, the gamemaker held a vice president of product development position at Sony Online Entertainment. There, he was credited on a number of titles in the EverQuest franchise, including Shadows of Luclin, Planes of Power, and EverQuest II.