News & Resources
Alexander Hutton is pleased to announce the addition of video game veteran Mike Ryder as a Strategic Advisor.
Mike will support Alexander Hutton’s service to clients in the video game industry, drawing from his extensive and diverse background in game development, publishing and operations. He brings deep experience in the sector from decades of leadership at game studios and publishers, with global experience in operations and development experience on most platforms and genres. He has direct M&A experience from selling a studio that he co-founded, as well as acquiring development studios while leading global development at major publishers such as GT Interactive, Sierra and Disney.
Mike also served as head of international operations at Blizzard, including offices in Versailles, Cork, Seoul, Shanghai, and Taipei. Later, Mike steered the creation of Blizzard’s Story and Franchise Development organization, which included Animation, Audio, Video Production, and Story teams. After leaving Activision Blizzard, Mike transitioned to a consulting role and continues to be active in the industry.
The Alexander Hutton team is thrilled to begin working with Mike as a specialized Strategic Advisor who will help advise the firm’s clients in the gaming industry. Managing Director James Thompson commented, “I have known Mike for over 20 years. His reputation in the gaming industry is unrivaled as both an entrepreneur and as an executive for some the world’s most successful video game studios and publishers. Like all of the Managing Directors and Senior Advisors, Mike has built and sold his own company. This perspective is invaluable as we advise entrepreneurs in the constantly changing gaming industry.”
On his decision to join Alexander Hutton as a Strategic Advisor, Mike commented, “I am excited and grateful for this opportunity to be of service to Alexander Hutton clients in the gaming industry. I am particularly confident in the team at Alexander Hutton and their approach in working with clients that are exploring strategic alternatives. From the first time we discussed the Strategic Advisor role, I was enthusiastic about the possibility of sharing my experience and perspective to help companies navigate challenging issues and make sound decisions.”
About Mike Ryder
Mike has more than forty years of business experience across multiple industries with thirty years focused on interactive entertainment, including location-based attractions, console games, PC games, online games, and mobile games. Mike has worked in instrumental roles for major players in the gaming and entertainment industry such as Sierra, Disney and Activision Blizzard, in addition to co-founding SingleTrac Entertainment in 1994.
After graduating from the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland in 1974 with a BS in Mathematics, Mike served in the U.S. Navy in the nuclear propulsion program on the USS Enterprise and USS Truxtun until 1979. He completed his MBA at University of St. Thomas in 1990.
About Alexander Hutton
Alexander Hutton is the most experienced Middle Market Investment Banking firm in the Northwest. Since our firm's founding in 1986, we have worked on behalf of entrepreneurs and boards of directors to help them acquire and divest their companies and to be their advocates to the complex capital markets. Our clients reflect the Northwest region’s global expertise in manufacturing, technology, services, healthcare, and logistics. With over 220 successful M&A transactions, we at Alexander Hutton have gained the appreciation and trust of our clients by being strong, thoughtful and effective teammates.