Keywords Studios Plc Share News (KWS)

(Sharecast News) - Video game development and creative services company Keywords Studios announced on Monday that chief executive officer Andrew Day was taking a temporary leave of absence for health reasons, effective immediately.
The AIM-traded firm said he was expected to return to his position following a period of recovery, and would remain a member of the board.

"The board fully supports Andrew's request to take leave to focus on his health and wishes him a complete recovery," said chairman Ross Graham.

"Andrew has been a significant driver of building Keywords into the 'go-to' global video games services platform over the last 12 years, and we look forward to welcoming him back when he has fully recovered."

Graham said the board had "full confidence" in the leadership team that Day had built through the business.

"The broader senior team is well equipped to continue to both drive the company's strategy forward, and manage the group's day-to-day operations.

"The group remains well-placed, with a strong market position in the buoyant video games market and a strong balance sheet, as we continue to actively review a healthy pipeline of acquisition opportunities."

Keywords said that during the interim period, Jon Hauck and Sonia Sedler were being appointed as joint interim CEOs, and would assume Day's duties alongside their existing roles.

The board said Hauck had become a "key member" of the senior team, driving the group's strategic development since he joined in 2019 as chief financial officer, while Sedler was appointed as chief operating officer earlier in 2021 to take responsibility for the day-to-day operational running of the business.

"Many thanks to the board for granting me a leave of absence to focus on my health," said chief executive officer Andrew Day.

"I'm proud of the business that we are building together and of my wonderful Keywords colleagues around the world, all of whom I'm confident will do a great job of continuing to serve our customers and execute on the group's strategy during my absence."

Keywords said it would release its results for the year ended 31 December as scheduled on 24 March, adding that they would be in line with its trading update on 28 January.

At 0843 GMT, shares in Keywords Studios were down 0.91% at 2,392p.