everplay group has announced that its CEO, Steve Bell, is to step down from the company with immediate effect.
The games developer, previously called Team17 said that he would be replaced by Frank Sagnier. Sagnier is currently non-executive Chair of the Board and now becomes interim Executive Chair of the group.
“On behalf of the Board I would like to thank Steve for both his commitment and support over the past two years, in particular rebranding the business and supporting the reset of our strategic focus. The Board and everplay team wish him every success in his future endeavours,” said Sagnier.
“As interim Executive Chair, I look forward to working with the broader leadership team as the business continues to execute on its strategic priorities: to accelerate growth alongside improving profitability, with an elevated focus on first-party IP, our evergreen franchises and improved returns. I am also grateful to the Board for their continued support and counsel and would like to personally thank Debbie for her ongoing commitment to everplay and industry insight as a Board director.”
READ MORE – Team17 Group no more as listed games developer rebrands
Sagnier has almost 3 decades of experience in the gaming sector, with senior roles at Codemasters, Electronic Arts, Acclaim Entertainment, and Funcom.
The board said that he would “ensure the continued execution of the Group’s strategic plan, supporting the existing executive team and divisional leaders, enabling the Board to have adequate time to recruit the suitable candidate.”
The search for a new CEO will take place “in due course.”
In today’s announcement, everplay confirmed that it expected to deliver an improved trading performance in FY 2025, marginally ahead of current market expectations. It also said it expected to pay its first dividends.
Bell joined the board of the then Team17 in September 2023, formally assuming the role of group CEO in January 2024.
The co-founder of marketing agency, Worldwide Holdings Ltd led the rebrand of the Yorkshire headquartered developer, which relaunched as everplay in January this year.
