A mere three weeks after snaring the COO of Electronic Arts John Schappert, casual gaming behemoth Zynga has tapped up another industry giant Sony for its vice president of development.

Nine-year veteran of Sony Online Entertainment John Blakely has been installed as general manager at Zynga Austin, presumably with an eye on the company's reported upcoming IPO.

Pastures new

During his tenure at SOE, Blakely oversaw the development and launch of EverQuest II and DC Universe Online, in addition to holding 'the overall vision for the products and people at the studios'.

Blakely's résumé also reveals he provided 'P&L (profit & loss) oversight in both start-up and established organisations'.

In a statement marking his departure, SOE thanked Blakely for "the passion and leadership he brought to work every day and fully support him in his future endeavours".

[source: Kotaku]