Joseph Olin brings more than 25 years of experience in video games and consumer products to his position as President of the Academy
of Interactive Arts & Sciences. Since taking the helm of the non-profit organization in July 2004, Olin has championed the $25
billion video game industry by raising awareness of individuals, games, companies, organizations/associations and changing issues
by promoting innovation and commitment. As President of AIAS, he is the voice of the Academy and oversees the annual DICE
Conference and Interactive Achievement Awards.
Prior to his presidency with the AIAS, Olin spearheaded the introduction of gaming’s most famous heroine, Lara Croft, with the
launch of the blockbuster Tomb Raider franchise as vice president of marketing and business development for U.S. GOLD, INC. /
EIDOS Interactive. Olin also served as senior partner and group account director at Ogilvy & Mather where he launched Mattel’s Generation
Girl Teen Dolls product and the first Barbie brand advertising campaign.
Earlier in his career, Olin held senior level positions in game publishing, advertising, sales, and marketing. At Elliot Portwood Studios,
Olin co-created Leonardo’s Multimedia Toolbox, an educational product, developed with Gene Portwood and Lauren Elliott (creators
of Carmen Sandiego). His impressive background also includes tenure with NEC’s System Laboratory Group of Japan, Voiceweb Corporation,
Kovel/Fuller, Inc., Della Femina McNamee, Panda Management Company and Microprose/Hasbro Interactive.
Olin is active in the Agoura Hills community, a board member with Agoura Pony Baseball League and a number of local school support
groups. He also sits on the advisory boards of FMX and the UCLA/CRESST Games Research Center. Olin earned a Bachelor of
Science degree in Business Administration from the University of Southern California.