26 Sep 2019 07:00
26 September 2019
SUMO GROUP PLC
("Sumo Group", the "Group" or the "Company")
AIM: SUMO
Ian Livingstone appointed Non-Executive Chairman
Sumo Group, the provider of award-winning creative and development services to the video games and entertainment industries, announces that Ian Livingstone CBE, a Non-Executive Director of the Group, has been appointed as Non-Executive Chairman with effect from today.
Ian, who joined the Board of Sumo Digital in September 2015, is one of the founding fathers of the UK games industry and was made a Commander of the British Empire (CBE) in 2013 for his services to the computer gaming industry. His most notable roles include Co-founder and Joint Managing Director of Games Workshop, the developer and publisher of Warhammer, Executive Chairman of Eidos plc, publishers of Lara Croft: Tomb Raider and other blockbuster video games, and Chairman of Playdemic Ltd, developers of hit mobile game Golf Clash. Ian sits on the Board of several important industry bodies, including UKIE, and public and education Boards including the National Citizens Service and Aspirations Academies Trust. Ian is also a games designer and international best-selling children's author.
Ken Beaty, who joined the Board as Chairman of Sumo Digital in 2014 and has chaired the Group since its successful IPO and Admission to AIM in December 2017, steps down from the Board and leaves the Company with effect from today.
Ian Livingstone, the Group's new Non-Executive Chairman, said:
"I am delighted to assume the role of Chairman at Sumo Group. The business is flourishing and the industry is forecast to continue to grow rapidly over the coming years. With its talent, technology and creativity, exceptional management, long-established client relationships and industry-leading development and delivery capabilities, the Group is ideally positioned to benefit from this global growth. I look forward to supporting the Group as it continues to broaden and strengthen its reach and relationships.
"Ken was instrumental in the growth and development of Sumo Digital, as a privately-owned business, and played a key role in the preparation of the Group for its successful flotation on AIM. Since then, the Board has benefitted considerably from his counsel, practicing excellent governance and providing clear strategic guidance for the business. On behalf of all the directors, I thank Ken for his contribution and commitment to the business over the last five years."
Ken Beaty, added:
"I am tremendously proud of everything that Sumo has achieved during my five years as Chairman and am delighted that Ian has agreed to succeed me in this role. Ian can only be described as an industry guru. His knowledge, relationships and skills are precisely what is needed for the next stage in Sumo Group's development and his strategic and commercial input will enable the Group to increase its already well-established presence in the ever-expanding global video games market. Alongside a highly capable and talented executive team and two experienced Non-Executive Directors, I know that I am leaving the Board, and the business, in capable hands. Sumo Group has a very bright future and, as a shareholder, I look forward to watching its continued growth and development with great interest."
As Chairman, Ian Livingstone will cease to be a member of the Audit and Remuneration Committees of the Board and will assume the chairmanship of the Nomination Committee.
Enquiries: |
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Sumo Group plc | Tel: +44 (0) 114 242 6766 |
Carl Cavers, Chief Executive Officer |
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David Wilton, Chief Financial Officer |
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Zeus Capital Limited (Nominated Adviser & Broker) |
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Nick Cowles / Richard Darlington / Andrew Jones | Tel: +44 (0) 161 831 1512 |
Ben Robertson / John Goold | Tel: +44 (0) 203 829 5000 |
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Belvedere Communications Limited |
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Cat Valentine (cvalentine@belvederepr.com) | Tel: +44 (0) 7715 769 078 |
Keeley Clarke (kclarke@belvederepr.com) | Tel: +44 (0) 7967 816 525 |
Llew Angus (langus@belvederepr.com) | Tel: +44 (0) 7407 023 147 |
About Sumo Group - www.sumogroupplc.com
Sumo Group's businesses provide acclaimed development and design services to the video games and entertainment industries from studios in the UK, India, and Canada.
Sumo Digital, as the group's primary business, is one of the UK's largest independent developers of AAA-rated video games, having studios in Sheffield, Newcastle, Nottingham, Leeds, Leamington Spa and Pune, India. The business has acquired two studios since IPO, which operate under their own names, BAFTA award-winning The Chinese Room and Red Kite Games. Sumo Digital provides turnkey and co-development solutions to a global blue-chip client base.
Atomhawk is a multi-award-winning visual design company, with studios in Newcastle and in Vancouver (Canada), servicing the games, film and visual effects industries.
Together, the Group delivers full-spectrum visual and development solutions, which include initial visual concepts, conceiving new products and game development involving all aspects of pre-production, production & development, as well as supporting games as a service.