Keywords Studios, a company specializing in localization services for video games and software, announced yesterday that Bertrand Bodson began his tenure as new company CEO on Dec. 1.

The appointment represents a new chapter for the company, which was previously headed up by CEO Andrew Day. Bodson’s hiring was first announced several months ago, but for Bodson, the long-awaited formal start of his tenure began this month. 

“To all 10,000+ Keywordians, and our brilliant studios around the world, I can’t wait to meet you soon and work together as we bring ‘One Keywords’ to the next level,” Bodson wrote on LinkedIn. “To our clients, creators and world class publishers, I’m looking forward to partnering even more closely and helping you bring your stories to life.”

Bodson fills a vacancy left by Day, who announced earlier this year that he was persuing early retirement. The decision came after a leave of absence for health-related reasons. In his LinkedIn post, Bodson praised Day’s career and leadership. 

“Today is also an opportunity to thank Andrew Day for his tremendous vision and entrepreneurial drive,” he wrote. “Chapter one has been nothing short of spectacular.”

According to Proactive Investors, Bodson’s compensation package includes “£600,000 per year, a maximum annual bonus of 30% of his base salary and a pension of 5% of the base salary,” as well as a long-term incentive plan based on the fulfillment of certain conditions. 

“We are delighted to have attracted a candidate of Bertrand’s calibre to lead Keywords through the next phase of its development in the video games and adjacent content industries,” said company chairman Ross Graham following Bodson’s hiring announcement. “Bertrand brings an ideal skillset to leading our ambitious, international business given the breadth of his experience in shaping and executing growth strategies and engendering strong cultures at some of the world’s leading businesses.”