Original story: Electronic Arts and Microsoft have announced that outspoken Microsoft VP Peter Moore (pictured left) will leave his position at the Redmond-based Xbox manufacturer to take a post as president of EA Sports. Moore will relocate to EA's Redwood Shores headquarters as a result of the move, and will begin his new job in September.

Replacing Moore at Microsoft will be Don Mattrick (pictured right), a longtime EA executive who has for the past six months been serving as an external advisor to Microsoft's Entertainment and Devices Division, where Moore served as corporate VP. Mattrick will take his position at Microsoft on July 30.

Moore headed up the Xbox and Games for Windows businesses in his role within the Entertainment and Devices Division. Prior to joining Microsoft in 2003, Moore was president and COO of Sega of America, where he oversaw the launch of the Dreamcast in 1999.

Perhaps pointing towards the factors behind his appointment to EA Sports, Moore has held leadership positions at sportswear firms Reebok and Patrick USA.

Mattrick was a founder of Vancouver-based sports-heavy developer Distinctive Software, which was acquired by EA in 1991 and which served as the foundation for EA Canada.

"The people at EA Sports have created one of the strongest brands in the entertainment industry and John Riccitiello is building an organization which will extend the company's leadership to new platforms and new audiences all over the world," said Moore in today's announcement. "I couldn't be more excited about joining EA and moving my family back to the San Francisco Bay Area."

"While Peter will certainly be missed, we are delighted to have one of the industry's most talented and passionate veterans on board to lead the business," said Microsft Entertainment and Devices president Robbie Bach. "Don is well-known and respected throughout the industry for his deep knowledge, technical expertise and management savvy."

Today's announcement is the latest development in EA's recent decision to reorganize into four largely autonomous publishing divisions: EA Games, EA Sports, EA Casual, and The Sims. The hiring of Moore follows the similar recent hiring of former Activision Publishing president Kathy Vrabek, who now heads up the EA Casual group.

"Peter Moore's proven record of leadership in games and sports makes him a terrific fit for heading up EA Sports," said EA CEO John Riccitiello. "As a partner at Microsoft and earlier, as a competitor, we've learned to respect his vision and leadership."