CODE welcomes two new team members

New Zealand Centre of Digital Excellence are excited to announce the appointment of Jessica Gillon (Auckland) and Anastasia Caldwell (Christchurch) as Regional Content Managers (RCMs) to the team.

As RCM's, their responsibilities will include assisting developers into the NZ CODE grant pipeline to build industry capability, and be our point of contact for indie game developers based across Auckland and Christchurch.

Tāmaki Makaurau - Auckland-based Jessica Gillon brings eight years of executive assistance and studio management support experience at Ninja Kiwi, working at a time during their rapid growth from small company to being sold in a $200 million deal to Sweden’s MTG. Jessica has also previously worked in startup, business development, and marketing roles at Massey University and Auckland Zoo, and even has a qualification in funeral services! 

Outside of work, Jessica is a self confessed history aficionado, and enjoys reading Gothic literature, yoga, music, ice skating, or looking for a decent coffee (having also acquired a barista certificate for this purpose.)

Having recently returned to the workforce following maternity leave and family business, Ōtautahi - Christchurch-based Anastasia Caldwell brings years of operational support for the indie game industry, including support and QA for the Cloudfire Studios team through the development of Starport Delta and previous unreleased titles.

Anastasia brings a solid understanding and ability to facilitate collaboration and mentorship to others through the game development process. In her spare time, Anastasia enjoys volunteering to support her children's primary school, indulging in her Nintendo fandom and whipping up delectable treats from around the world.

Jessica Gillon, CODE Regional Content Manager - Upper North Island (Tāmaki Makaurau - Auckland)

Anastasia Caldwell, CODE Regional Content Manager - Upper South Island (Ōtautahi - Christchurch)

L-R: Jessica Gillon, CODE Regional Content Manager - Upper North Island (Tāmaki Makaurau - Auckland);

Anastasia Caldwell, CODE Regional Content Manager - Upper South Island (Ōtautahi - Christchurch)

"With CODE's increased budget, we are really pleased to add more Regional Content Managers to help add not only our internal capability, but to meet the needs of the developer community at large. The national programme has matured in the past few years and it is time to take the next step with dedicated managers in both Christchurch and increasing our coverage in Auckland", says CODE’s Industry Development Manager, Vee Pendergrast.

We’re excited to see Jessica and Anastasia apply their experiences and build their networks to help support game developers and indie studios across the motu.

Jessica and Anastasia joined CODE from Monday 15 June, following a week-long induction in Ōtepoti - Dunedin.

Please join us in welcoming Jessica and Anastasia to the CODE team.