Indie UK developer Splash Damage today announced the hiring of four industry heavyweights to its team. Following the recent announcement of its partnership with Bethesda Softworks, Splash Damage is planning to double the size of its development team to more than 60 staff as it moves into multi-platform development on an as-yet unannounced title.

This four man hit-squad of high echelon talent includes Olivier Leonardi (Rainbow Six: Vegas) as Art Director; Chris Sweetman (Black, Burnout: Paradise) as Audio Director; Tim Appleby (Mass Effect) as Lead Character Artist; and last but not least Chris Dawson (Driver, Evil Genius) as Producer.

“I couldn’t be more excited about this influx of amazing talent to Splash Damage, especially as we start developing for multiple platforms,” added Paul Wedgwood, owner of Splash Damage. “Their experience and knowledge are a hugely positive contribution to Splash Damage and will help us further establish Splash Damage as one of the up-and-coming studios in the world.”

“I’m thrilled to be working here at Splash Damage,” said Art Director Olivier Leonardi. “These guys treat each game as a unique creative exercise, rather than just going through the motions year after year, and that really impresses me.”

Splash Damage also today announced that it will be making an appearance at Develop 2008, being held in the British coastal down of Brighton from 29-31 July 2008 where they’ve been nominated for two Industry Excellence Awards. The newly accrued Chris Sweetman and Creative director Paul Wedgwood will also be giving lectures at the event.