Gala-Net today announced that John Young has joined the company as corporate vice president of operations and producer of the upcoming free-to-play online multiplayer car combat and racing game, Upshift StrikeRacer. With more than fifteen years of experience in business and product development, most of which in the interactive space, Young will oversee the localization, culturalization and launch of Upshift StrikeRacer in North America. He will also play a key role in ensuring that Gala-Net expands its position as a premier company in online games.

Prior to joining Gala-Net, Young worked at Massive Incorporated. He oversaw business development in North America and Asia for the venture capital-backed advertising-in-videogames company, which was acquired by Microsoft in 2006. As a key member of the company's team, he signed nearly a dozen critical contracts with major publishers and led Massive's expansion into Asia. In addition, Young ran the company's product development group.