Id invites two into its inner sanctum

Id Software posted a typically terse announcement on its site today announcing that two of its own, Todd Hollenshead and Tim Willits, have been named co-owners of the privately held company. The statement, in part, reads:

"In further strengthening our leadership and management team, id Software is proud to announce that Todd Hollenshead, CEO, and Tim Willits, lead designer, have been granted ownership shares in id Software, Inc. Todd and Tim join the long-standing ownership team of Adrian Carmack, John Carmack, and Kevin Cloud."

GameSpot spoke with Hollenshead Tuesday afternoon. "It's been an enormous privilege and a helluva ride to work at id for the past seven-plus years as CEO," he said. "To now join the ownership group at such an amazing company is the ultimate reward. I can't think of a better way to start off 2004 and I'm looking forward to a great upcoming year and hopefully many more to follow."

Calling himself the "obligatory businessman" at id, Hollenshead joined the company in 1996. He came to id from the accounting and consulting firm, Arthur Andersen, where he worked as a manager of its Dallas-based manufacturing and high technology tax practice.

Willits joined id the year previous, in 1995, leaving his post at Rogue Entertainment where he worked on the 3D shooter, Strife. He lent his talents to Quake, Quake 2 and Quake 3, always as the lead level designer.

The statement concludes by stating, "Everyone at id would like to thank Todd and Tim for their years of dedication and congratulate them on their latest accomplishment."