Deirdre Ayre

In 2006 Deirdre spearheaded the establishment of Other Ocean’s video game development studio on PEI – a spin-off of a company her brother had founded in California. In 2007 she oversaw the establishment of Other Ocean’s quality assurance company, Sculpin QA, followed by the establishment of Other Ocean’s studio in St. John’s, NL. In 2013 Other Ocean’s original PEI development studio was acquired by corporate giant Electronic Arts. In 2016 Deirdre re-established Other Ocean’s production presence on PEI by expanding Sculpin QA to include the development of Original IP. Deirdre is recognized for her commitment to economic and social diversification in Atlantic Canada, her collaborative efforts with educational institutions, and her success in recruiting top talent from around the world. Nationally she is known as a fierce advocate for the Atlantic Canadian high-tech sector, particularly in the areas of skills development and immigration. In July 2018 Other Ocean Group, with its partners, was nominated for an Emmy Award for their development work on the globally successful Rick and Morty franchise. Other Ocean currently employs over 80 people in Atlantic Canada and its current release, Project Winter, is enjoying Worldwide success.

Deirdre was the first Atlantic Canadian to be elected to the Board of the Entertainment Software Association of Canada. She is the founder and Chair of Videogames PEI, the past Chair of the Canadian Interactive Alliance, a member of the Board of Innovation PEI, and an ex officio for the Premier’s Council for Recovery and Growth on PEI. In 2018 Deirdre was awarded the Newfoundland and Labrador Association of New Canadian’s Diversity Award, and in 2021 she was awarded the P. J. Gardiner Newfoundland and Labrador Entrepreneur of the Year Award.