Electronic Arts has appointed licensing veteran Ryan Gagerman as director of licensing, as it prepares for the launch of “Plants vs. Zombies: Garden Warfare” in February, and the theatrical debut of Need for Speed March 14. 

"We are counting on Ryan's success in building programs and relationships on a global basis in further growing our business," says Patrick O'Brien, vice president, EA Entertainment and Licensing. "His extensive experience with managing entertainment properties and theatrical programs will serve us well as we continue to build programs for franchises such as Plants vs. Zombies, Mass Effect, Battlefield, EA Sports and The Sims."

Prior to joining EA, Gagerman was vice president of international licensing at Paramount Pictures overseeing Paramount's theatrical releases and catalog. He also held several executive roles at DiC Entertainment where he was responsible for building the international revenue as well as overseeing various categories including managing hard lines and publishing worldwide for properties such as Strawberry Shortcake and McDonald's.