Independent developer Turbine, Inc. has tapped Jan Roberts Horsfall as its first chief marketing officer, the company said today.

The Westwood, Massachusetts-based MMO-focused studio created the new role to manage Turbine's brand and "oversee all consumer and partnership marketing initiatives."

Founded in 1994, Turbine currently develops and operates three online games: Asheron's Call, Dungeons and Dragons Online: Stormreach, and The Lord of the Rings Online: Shadows of Angmar.

"Turbine has built an amazing brand experience with strong global recognition and incredible good will," said Horsfall in a statement.

"This is a tremendous opportunity to build upon the company's strong reputation. The clear goal is to understand our consumer’s values in light of the constant technology and creative innovation which Turbine is known for, and then lead the team that is integrating these brand experiences into our consumers' lives."

Before joining Turbine, Horsfall founded and served as CEO of Gelazzi, White Summit Strategies, and Gemini Voice Solutions. He also claims to be a gaming enthusiast, with a particular interest in online communities.

[The preceding article by Chris Remo also appeared on Worlds in Motion sister site Gamasutra.]