Mount Pearl, NL.-based production, distribution and interactive company Best Boy Entertainment has hired video game industry vet Doug Rappaport as head of interactive development.

Rappaport will head north from California to take on his new role, in which he will oversee the planning and production of Best Boy’s interactive content, and serve as the primary liaison and point of contact for all stakeholders and development teams.

“Hiring Doug is quite a coup for Best Boy and our province. He could have chosen to work any place in the world. That he chose here speaks volumes about his belief in the future of our industry. He is a major-league hire, and we are delighted to have him,” said Robert Evans, Best Boy’s VP of distribution, marketing and interactive in a statement.

“I am convinced we can compete internationally and help grow a robust interactive industry in Newfoundland and Labrador. And I believe the lifestyle here offers a very attractive place to foster talent,” said Rappaport in his own statement.

Rappaport has, over 17 years in the industry, worked at companies including Electronic Arts, Konami and Treyarch and on more than 50 game titles, including 31 triple A titles.

Rappaport’s position was effective Sept. 4, 2012.