MMORPG developer Cryptic Studios has appointed John Needham, former senior president of Business Development and Operations at Sony Online Entertainment, as its chief executive officer.

Needham began his career with Sony in 1994, holding positions in the television division of Sony Pictures Entertainment, including Director of Corporate Development and Vice President of Finance, Telemundo Networks.

After joining Sony Online Entertainment in 2001, Needham served as CFO and SVP of Business Development and Operations, managing strategic initiatives, international operations, customer service, and quality assurance testing.

Headquartered in Los Gatos, CA, Cryptic Studios is an independent, employee-owned company best known for its City of Heroes and City of Villains MMO titles, both of which have now been sold to publisher NCSoft, which is continuing them.

The studio announced in February Champions Online, a 3D MMORPG based on the pen-and-paper Champions RPG and slated for release in spring 2009.

Said Cryptic Studios president Michael Lewis: “John Needham's proven leadership in the MMO space makes him a dynamic fit for heading up Cryptic's new corporate direction. As an SVP of Sony Online Entertainment he has contributed greatly to the growth of the industry and we're excited to combine his operational experience with our vision for the future of online games.”