David Ismailer

David Ismailer serves as President of 2K Games, a wholly-owned label of Take-Two Interactive Software. Ismailer has been with 2K from its inception in 2005, making him one of the company's most tenured executives. As president, he is responsible for setting the culture, overall direction and strategy for 2K's publishing organization and global development studios. He oversees day-to-day operations at the company as it works on hits like the 2K sports games, the BioShock series, and the Xcom franchise.

Ismailer's educational background includes a law degree and a business degree from the University of Michigan's Stephen M. Ross School of Business. His legal training proved formative in his career trajectory: prior to joining Take-Two, he was an attorney at Morrison Cohen, where he practiced M&A and intellectual property law. He then joined Take-Two in 2002 as vice president and senior counsel before moving to 2K when it was formed.

As COO and senior vice president of publishing operations from 2005 until his promotion to president in June 2017, Ismailer built and scaled 2K's portfolio of world-class franchises. 2K's timeless fan-favorites under his leadership include Sid Meier's Civilization, WWE 2K, PGA TOUR 2K, Mafia, NBA 2K, and Borderlands.

Career history

• Attorney at Morrison Cohen LLP — practiced M&A and intellectual property law
• Vice President and Senior Counsel at Take-Two Interactive (2002)
• Chief Operating Officer and Senior Vice President of Publishing Operations at 2K Games (2005–2017)
• President of 2K Games (May 31, 2017–present)

What David Ismailer could bring to President of 2K: With a dual foundation spanning corporate law, M&A expertise, and two decades in gaming leadership, Ismailer brings strategic acumen in franchise development and portfolio management. His tenure as COO enabled him to scale 2K's iconic brands including NBA 2K, Borderlands, and Civilization into industry-leading franchises. As president, he leverages his legal background in intellectual property and corporate transactions to navigate complex partnerships and licensing deals, while his deep knowledge of studio operations positions him to drive innovation and sustainable growth across 2K's global development ecosystem.