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16 Dec 2025 07:00
16 December 2025
CEO TRANSITION
Frontier Developments plc (AIM: FDEV, 'Frontier' or the 'Company'), a leading developer and publisher of video games based in Cambridge, UK, announces that CEO Jonny Watts has informed the Board that he plans to step down from the Board for personal reasons, including spending more time with family.
Jonny, who has been with Frontier for 27 years and became CEO in August 2022, led Frontier's turnaround plan, spearheading a strategic shift back to Frontier's core strength in creative management simulation ('CMS') games, restoring growth and profitability. Following the successful launch of Jurassic World Evolution 3 in October 2025, Jonny believes now is the right time to hand over the reins.
The Board is delighted to announce the appointment of Jo Cooke as CEO. Currently Chief Marketing Officer, Jo has worked closely with the team to deliver a great result with the launch of Jurassic World Evolution 3 and brings deep industry experience from senior publishing roles, including Maxis, Curve Digital, Bastion, and her previous tenure at Frontier from 2014 to 2017. She rejoined the company in August 2025.
Jo is expected to formally join the Board as CEO, effective 1 January 2026, subject to the completion of customary due diligence by the Company's Nominated Adviser. Jonny will remain on the Board until 31 May 2026 to support a smooth transition.
Notice of interim results
Frontier provides notice that it expects to publish its interim financial results for the six months ended 30 November 2025 at 7am (GMT) on Wednesday 14 January 2026.
Frontier's portfolio of world-leading creative management simulation games, including the recently released Jurassic World Evolution 3, continues to perform well, ahead of seasonal price promotions this month. Frontier expects to provide an update on December trading alongside the interim results in January.
The management team will host a presentation for analysts and institutional investors at 9.30am (GMT) on the day of the interim results. To register, please contact frontier@teneo.com.
Jonny Watts, current CEO, said:
"It's been a privilege to contribute to the amazing games Frontier has developed throughout my 27 years. During my tenure as CEO, I am pleased that we have turned the business around to focus back on our key strengths. The time is now right for me to step down as CEO, and I am confident in passing the baton to Jo.
I would like to thank everyone who has supported me over the years, including the people at Frontier, our partners, and, of course, our players."
Jo Cooke, incoming CEO, said:
"The CMS-focused strategy that Jonny has established enticed me to rejoin Frontier last summer as CMO, and I am thrilled to now be stepping up to CEO. Jonny will be greatly missed, but I am confident that we will be successful in continuing to deliver on this strategy, listening to our players and making new games that will continue to entertain and engage for years to come."
Ilse Howling, Frontier's Chairman, said:
"It's been a great pleasure working with Jonny, and I am full of admiration for him for achieving our strategic reset to CMS and putting players back at the heart of what we do.
Jo's extensive games industry experience and player-centric outlook mean she is excellently placed to drive the company's future growth, and to harness our genre-leading games and global IP to delight millions of players around the world."
David Braben, Frontier's President and Founder, said:
"I'd like to extend a massive thank you to Jonny for his amazing contribution to Frontier over so many years. I am delighted to see Jo step up into her new role, and I think she is perfect to take Frontier forward for the future. I am very sad to see Jonny go, and wish him all the best for the future."
Enquiries:
Frontier Developments | +44 (0)1223 394 300 |
Peel Hunt - Nomad and Joint Corporate Broker | +44 (0)20 7418 8900 |
Neil Patel / Ben Cryer / Kate Bannatyne | |
Panmure Liberum - Joint Corporate Broker | +44 (0)20 3100 2000 |
Dru Danford / Shalin Bhamra | |
Teneo | +44 (0)20 7353 4200 |
Matt Low / Arthur Rogers |
About Frontier Developments plc
Frontier is a leading independent developer and publisher of video games founded in 1994 by David Braben, co-author of the iconic Elite game. Based in Cambridge, Frontier uses its proprietary COBRA game development technology to create innovative genre-leading games, primarily for personal computers and videogame consoles.
Frontier's LEI number: 213800B9LGPWUAZ9GX18.
www.frontier.co.uk
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