Since words don't mean anything in the video game industry, "producer" actually means something different at EA than it does at other companies. The equivalent of a producer at most other companies is called a "development director" at EA. Producers take on more creative and leadership roles.
Ah! That explains why, when we hired a producer from EA, they expected to be making design decisions, and had very little interest in the things he was actually hired for.
Everywhere I've worked, production and design/direction have been distinct roles. Production is not creative, they're facilitators, the supposedly sane adults in the room full of whiny tantrum throwing creatives.
(I <3 my producers, so many producers, sigh)
