On the same day its CEO not-so-coincidentally opened the NASDAQ for trading, THQ announced it beat analysts' earning expectations. According to figures released by the company, THQ's revenue increased 30 percent to $127 million in the third quarter of 2003, up from $97 million for the same period in 2002. For the six months that ended September 30, 2003, revenue increased 23 percent to $225 million from $183 million for the same period a year earlier. The publisher's net income was $3.6 million, which included a $4 million pretax settlement with an insurance company.

　　The good news was even better for two newly appointed THQ executives. Eric Doctorow, former president of Paramount Pictures' home entertainment division, got on board today as the company's chief operating officer. "Eric's extensive experience and relationships in the entertainment industry will lend a valuable perspective to our business as we prepare for continued growth in an increasingly competitive market," said THQ president and CEO Brian Farrell in a statement.

　　Tim Walsh got the other big promotion of the day, landing the newly created position of president of THQ Wireless. Walsh's former position, of THQ senior vice president of international publishing and wireless, will be filled in the interim by Ian Curran, THQ's managing director of UK and export.

　　GameSpot caught up with Walsh today at the CTIA Mobile Entertainment Summit in Las Vegas. Walsh expressed his optimism for the new subsidiary, saying, "We are in a great position because the major growth [in the sector] is ahead of us." Walsh added that the new subsidiary will increase in size dramatically, as he is actively recruiting for a number of key positions. Walsh says that over the next 12 months, he expects the subsidiary to triple in size.

　　As to what the industry can expect from THQ Wireless in the future, Walsh said, "We are already invested in major brands like MotoGP, Major League Baseball, and The Simpsons, and I predict you'll see a big increase in THQ's activity in acquiring brands."

　　Talking like a newly appointed president, Walsh stated for the record that THQ's intent is to be the leading provider of games and entertainment for wireless devices. Reflecting on the new assignment a bit later, and caught in the relaxed atmosphere of one of the Venetian Hotel's more civilized restaurants, the THQ executive, who has been with the company for seven years, said, "I feel like a 16-year-old, and I just got my first car."

　　THQ has been aggressively pursuing the wireless games market, inking deals with more than 70 international carriers. The company has also created a game platform server that allows cell phone gamers to play THQ games head-to-head. In September, THQ Wireless launched Madtap.com, a Web-based portal for mobile Java games. It is also one of the few companies to publish titles for Nokia's N-Gage platform.

　　Last March, the company entered into a multiyear deal with 20th Century Fox to develop and distribute The Simpsons entertainment content for mobile phones.

　　However, it isn't all good news coming out of THQ. Senior vice president and chief financial officer Fred Gysi announced that he was leaving the company. No reason was given for the departure, although it was implied that his exit was voluntary. "We understand and support his decision, and we are glad that Fred will stay on to ensure a smooth transition once his successor is named within the next few months," said Farrell.

　　THQ is the publisher of the best-selling WWE Smackdown! series. It will also publish the upcoming Full Spectrum Warrior, a squad-based tactical shooter codeveloped with the US military.