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Wade Rosen
Chief Executive Officer at Atari
Wade Rosen is the Chief Executive Officer of Atari, a position he has held since April 2021. He is also the majority shareholder of the company, having acquired a significant stake prior to becoming CEO. Rosen's leadership marks a pivotal time for Atari, as he aims to revitalize the brand and focus on its legacy in retro gaming while exploring innovative new products and markets.
Background and Career
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Education: Wade Rosen earned a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in Information Technology & E-Commerce from the University of Denver, graduating Magna Cum Laude. He later completed an International MBA at IE Business School in Madrid, where he ranked in the top 1% of his class.2
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Previous Roles: Before joining Atari, Rosen co-founded and served as CEO of Wishlist Rewards and ThrivePass, companies focused on gift experiences and corporate wellness solutions, respectively. He also worked as an Executive Vice President at Scientific Life Solutions and held various positions in sales and training.23
Vision for Atari
Rosen's approach to Atari emphasizes incremental growth rather than competing directly with larger gaming companies like Sony or Microsoft. He believes that Atari can excel in the retro gaming space, leveraging its iconic brand to connect with both nostalgic gamers and new audiences. His strategy includes:
- Innovative Products: Plans to introduce new hardware and software that resonate with Atari's legacy while appealing to modern gamers.
- Market Expansion: A commitment to exploring international markets and creating products at various price points to reach broader demographics.13
- Community Engagement: A focus on rebuilding trust with the gaming community by prioritizing quality over high-risk ventures, as well as being open to collaborations with independent developers.45
Personal Insights
Rosen has expressed a deep passion for gaming, particularly retro titles, which he sees as integral to his identity. His journey into the gaming industry began with his interest in preserving classic games through his previous company, Ziggurat Interactive. This passion drives his vision for Atari as a brand that not only recalls its storied past but also innovates for the future.34
In summary, Wade Rosen is steering Atari towards a future that honors its heritage while embracing new opportunities within the gaming industry. His leadership reflects a blend of strategic vision and a commitment to community engagement, aiming to redefine what Atari can be in today's gaming landscape.