Zeemote adds execs in push for remote controlled mobile gaming: Thumb-controlled device aimed at mobile entertainment

Zeemote Inc., which offers a remote control for mobile gaming, tapped a new CEO and expanded its front office with two additional hires.
Former Virgin Media executive Ernie Cormier will take over the reigns from co-founder Beth Marcus, who will serve as CTO and focus on Zeemote’s intellectual property development and strategy. Cormier most recently served as chief commercial officer and managing director of group strategy and corporate development with Virgin Media; his resume also includes a stint as VP of product management at Nextel Communications Inc.
Zeemote’s flagship product, dubbed the JS1, is a thumb-controlled device that connects with mobile phones via Bluetooth in an effort to create a more immersive gaming experience.
“The idea of joining Zeemote attracted me for two reasons,” Cormier said of his decision to join the Chelmsford, Mass.-based startup. “One is that the IP behind Zeemote is very strong and robust, and the opportunity to bring it into multiple verticals is really compelling. The second is that it is getting such a great reception from pretty major names. A lot of people are buying into it.”
Indeed, the company boasts an impressive list of partners: Sony Ericsson is bundling the joystick with handsets in Mexico, Spain and the Netherlands; Nokia is teaming with Zeemote in Germany; and developers including Electronic Arts Inc., Capcom Mobile and Digital Chocolate are building games to leverage the device. But critics have questioned whether gamers will carry an extra piece of hardware for the sole purpose of improving control of wireless games.
“I can understand that concern,” said Corrmier, “but the JS1 is tiny, light, and it looks cool. I think most people won’t have a problem throwing it in a bag or a briefcase. We certainly haven’t seen any problems in terms of that kind of pushback.”
Zeemote also hired wireless veteran Glenn Kiladis as VP of global marketing, and the company named former Groove Mobile executive Karen Cambray as CFO and VP of operations.