Capcom announced today that they have promoted Mark Beaumont, who has served as Executive Vice President, Officer, and head of the consumer software publishing business in North and South America and Europe, to a new position as Chief Executive Officer for the company. In addition, he will retain his duties on the Capcom Board of Directors. Curiously, though it was announced today, the change was effective on April 1st, 2008. Maybe he just didn't believe it until now.

Beaumont has been on a steady rise since joining Capcom as a Senior Vice President in 2005, after which he was promoted to Executive Vice President and Officer in 2007, with extra responsibilities in overseeing Capcom's European business. I know for the longest time, there was quite a bit of dissatisfaction with how things were run over there, gaudy box art and all, so I ask our Euro-readers (if any): Have things improved in the past year and a half?

Beaumont's new duties include growing and managing Capcom's ambitious Western-focused development efforts, as well as the company's pan-Western licensing activities, in addition to the US and European consumer software responsibilities held previously.

"Since joining Capcom in 2005, Mark has been the driving force behind the company's improved performance, resulting in an overall revenue growth of 10% in the US and 20% in Europe," said Hiroshi Tobisawa, president and Chief Executive Officer, Capcom Entertainment Inc. "This deserved promotion recognizes his dedication and commitment to Capcom."

Beaumont isn't too new to the game, however; his tenure in the gaming industry reaches back 25 years, to the original Atari, and he's been all over the place, from marketing to product development, and general management to lead publishing roles. "He has had consistent success in revenue growth and profit generation, with a proven track record in assembling and building organizations for long-term success. For over 10 years, Beaumont has been involved in setting strategic vision and long-term product plans for numerous interactive publishers, with over 5 years of direct responsibility for the European as well as American marketplace."

So, what more is there to say than "Congratulations, Mark!" That, and "How about a MegaMan Legends Collection already? Bet you could make it happen."