Paul Palmieri, arguably one of the mobile game industry's most powerful players, has left his post at Verizon Wireless and taken a position with London-based investment and advisory firm, Acta Wireless.

　　As the executive director, business development & programming for Verizon Wireless, Palmieri was responsible for guiding the full spectrum of that mobile giant's game business.

　　It was Palmieri's "thumb up" or "thumb down" that determined many a mobile publisher's ranking on the Verizon game deck--a lunch date with Palmieri was tantamount to winning the lottery for many mobile game entrepreneurs. His presence on the conference circuit drew crowds interested in knowing more about the burgeoning mobile beat. It was Palmieri more than any other mobile game executive who invariably drew the postpanel crowds that shoved business cards in his hands and sought his comments and advice.

　　Palmieri joins Acta as a venture partner, and "will be responsible for the Company's mobile entertainment practice developing its investment strategy and expanding its global advisory business," according to a statement released by Acta today. Palmieri assumes the additional role of mobile entertainment practice leader.

　　In a separate e-mail sent to colleagues and business contacts this morning, Palmieri framed the move by praising both enterprises:

　　"After five great years, I have decided to leave Verizon Wireless, a truly great company full of truly great people. I will be joining another great team at Acta Wireless, a specialized investment and advisory firm. It has been a time of major growth in the industry and I want to take the opportunity to thank each one of you for the partnerships and friendships developed over the last several years, and for your contributions to it."

　　Acta Wireless is based in London, with satellite offices in Montreal and Washington, DC.