The Entertainment Software Association (ESA) announced today that its founding president, Douglas Lowenstein, will leave the organization early next year after twelve years of service to launch a new trade association in the investment industry. Lowenstein will stay on into early 2007 to ensure a smooth transition, and the ESA will begin a full executive search for a replacement immediately.

Lowenstein joined what was then known as the Interactive Digital Software Association in 1994. The name of the organization was changed in 1999 to the Entertainment Software Association to more accurately and succinctly describe the industry ESA represents.

During Lowenstein's tenure, industry revenues grew from about $3 billion to more than $10 billion. The ESA grew from two employees at launch to 32 employees working on a range of programs, from anti-piracy enforcement and domestic and international intellectual property policy to government and media relations and research.

In accepting Lowenstein's resignation, ESA Chairman and President of Microsoft's Entertainment & Devices Division, Robbie Bach, thanked Mr. Lowenstein for his invaluable service to the organization. "As the founding president of this organization, Doug built ESA into a very effective and influential trade association fully and articulately representing the interests of our members. He leaves behind a tremendous record of accomplishments which provides us with the foundation for continued growth and success. We wish him well in his new role."