Kleiner hires EA's creative head

SAN FRANCISCO, April 28 (Reuters) - Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers, the venture capital firm that backed Google Inc (GOOG.O: Quote, Profile, Research) and Amazon.com Inc (AMZN.O: Quote, Profile, Research), has hired Electronic Arts Inc (ERTS.O: Quote, Profile, Research) veteran William "Bing" Gordon as a partner, Kleiner said on Monday.

Gordon has served as chief creative officer at EA, the largest U.S. videogame publisher by sales, for the past 10 years. He oversaw the creation of some of EA's most successful game franchises, including Madden NFL and Need for Speed.

Gordon, who will join Kleiner in June 2008, will focus on the venture capital firm's investments in consumer technologies.

"His success with dynamic and engaging digital entertainment and consumer media is invaluable for innovators in mobility, social networks, gaming and entertainment," Kleiner partner John Doerr said in a statement.

Gordon will retain ties with EA as its chief creative officer emeritus, Kleiner said. (Editing by Carol Bishopric)