GetJar COO Chris Dury steps up to CEO position as free app store looks to ride US Android boom

Free app store GetJar has tweaked its executive structure.

Founder Ilja Laurs becomes executive chairman, while US-based COO Chris Dury steps up into the CEO position.

"GetJar is continuing to expand rapidly, but now a majority of our growth is occurring in the United States," said Laurs, particularly pointing out the strength of the Android ecosystem in the territory.

"We felt it was important for top leadership to be based there, and it was an easy decision to elevate Chris given his leadership and substantial contribution."

Going for more gold

Dury previously worked at Intel, scanR, OneFone and Firetalk and has been with GetJar for three years.

Based in San Mateo, he's been instrumental in the creation of GetJar's Gold program, including its virtual currency.

Laurs will continue full time, focusing on business strategy and development from Lithuania.

"I'm excited about what lies ahead," said Dury.

"Our new GetJar Gold virtual currency is already helping dozens of apps grow their revenue and close the monetisation gap between Android and iOS. We are extremely well positioned for growth as the next billion users adopt smartphones over the next few years."

[source: GetJar]