AIAS president Olin exits

For over six years, Joseph Olin has been the president of the Academy of Interactive Arts and Sciences, the organizers of the ultra-elite DICE Summit. During that time, he helped organize six DICE Summits and its associated Interactive Achievement Awards, which aim to be the Oscars of the game-development world. His tenure also saw AIAS membership increase from 3,000 to 20,000.

Now, though, Olin's tenure is over. Late Monday, the AIAS announced that Olin was stepping down as AIAS's president to "pursue new opportunities." Olin did not say which opportunities but did say "the dynamic nature within the interactive entertainment industry is always best served with new ideas--now is an appropriate time to transition from the Academy."

Replacing Olin is one Martin Rae, an executive at several startups, game developers, and other entertainment companies, including Sunleaf Studios and Boss Entertainment. Olin will work with Rae through the end of the year to help organize the 14th Interactive Achievement Awards, which will be held next February.

For a look at the 2008 Interactive Achievement Awards, click on the video below.