Management
An experienced team with vision
Jonathan Epstein
CEO
Epstein brings more than 20 years of
high-technology media and marketing experience to Double Fusion, and a track
record of launching and building the most successful media properties that
reach the gaming audience, on a worldwide basis. As CEO of Double Fusion,
Epstein is responsible for providing the strategic vision and direction for the
company, and for ensuring the execution of the company against its core
business plan.
Prior to joining Double Fusion, Epstein served as co-head of the digital media group of United Talent Agency, overseeing a wide range of transactions in the gaming, mobile, Internet and advertising technology markets and serving as a consultant to a number of leading media startups. Prior to UTA, Epstein served as executive vice president and general manager, media division, for IGN Entertainment, which was acquired by Fox Interactive Media in 2005. Epstein came to IGN with the sale of GameSpy Industries, where he served as president; while at GameSpy, Epstein established the company as a major media player and developed the companies significant subscription and middleware businesses. Before GameSpy, Epstein was the founding president and CEO of GameSpot.com, where with the other co-founders he reshaped the way by which gamers get their information. GameSpot was acquired by ZDNet (and subsequently, CNET) after which time Epstein served as EVP, International, overseeing the management and rollout of GameSpot and ZDNet sites around the world.
Epstein holds a degree in physical sciences from Harvard College.
Hillel Rom, PhD
CTO
In addition to his expertise in 3-D graphics and game
technology, Dr. Rom brings to Double Fusion vast experience in product
development, from ideation to launch, in various leadership roles.
Dr. Rom was a Member of the Technical Staff at the Jet Propulsion Lab of NASA/Caltech, where he played a key role in the Automated Speech Visualization task. Dr. Rom was the Head of Software Development of I.C. Vision developing real-time systems to handle dynamic billboard advertisements in live TV sports broadcasts. He then moved on to lead the Nendo project at Nichimen Graphics Inc. where he developed the core engine of the product and led the team which created several innovative applications based on this engine, including a game for Nintendo. He then held the Director of Research and Development position at BioMediCom where he led the development of the SonoReal product, which transforms any conventional ultrasound into a 3D rendering.
Before founding Double Fusion, Dr. Rom was co-founder and CTO of 3dMe. 3dMe delivered state-of-the-art technology producing live real-time animations of high quality talking 3D characters for PC and mobile applications.
Dr. Rom received his Doctorate in Computer Science from the University of Southern California in 1993. He also holds a B.Sc. degree in Mathematics and Computer Science, and a M.Sc. degree in Computer Science, both from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel.
Glen Sussman
CFO
Glen brings his extensive financial background to Double
Fusion, as well as his proven track record of working with venture-backed
technology firms. As Chief Financial Officer, Glen is responsible for the
overall financial management the company, including reporting, accounting,
budgeting, and capital structure. He also oversees publisher account management
and works closely with the CEO and other members of the executive team to
facilitate strategic execution and general corporate development.
Glen has worked in the crosshairs of technology and finance for over 10 years. Along with his expertise in accounting, mergers and acquisitions, and fundraising, he brings a strong focus on operating discipline to Double Fusion. Prior to his current role, Glen was the CFO and COO of Game Trust, which was acquired by Real Networks in October 2007. During his time at Game Trust, Glen spearheaded the development of the company into a leading provider of casual games community and affinity platforms, while simultaneously ramping revenues and reducing operating expenses. Before Game Trust, Glen worked at Sandler Capital Management, where he closed over $30 million in lead venture capital transactions, managed portfolio company investments, and executed LBO analysis for the purchase of MobilTel, a leading wireless telecommunications carrier in Eastern Europe. From 1997–1999 Glen worked as an Equity Research Associate for Schroder and Co. in the Networking Hardware sector, and as Equity Research Analyst, launching proprietary coverage of emerging technologies companies. Glen graduated Wharton in 1997, garnering the prestigious Joseph Wharton Scholar and Benjamin Franklin Scholar honors.
Alex Sood
General Counsel and Managing Director – Double Fusion Japan.
Alex Sood serves as General Counsel for Double Fusion’s global operations. Sood joined Double Fusion from Bingham McCutchen LLP, where his practice focused on the representation of emerging technology companies. He also has extensive experience in Mergers and Acquisitions, Venture Capital and Private Equity matters.
Sood serves as the Managing Director of Double Fusion Japan, Double Fusion’s Tokyo based partnership. Sood oversees Double Fusion Japan’s sales and business development efforts in the Japanese market, leveraging his expertise in Japanese based gaming. His organization has implemented ground breaking In-Game ad placements in some of Japan’s most successful titles. Sood is also responsible for the company’s strategy throughout the Asia wide region in China, Korea, SEA and India.
Sood holds an Honors BA from the University of Toronto, studied business and government at Georgetown University, and holds a Juris Doctor from the University of California Hastings College of the Law.