15 May 2023

Keywords Studios plc ("Keywords Studios", "Keywords", the "Group")

Passing of Ross Graham and Chairman Succession

With great sadness, the Board of Keywords Studios announces the sudden and unexpected passing of its Chairman, Ross Graham. Ross had been Chairman of Keywords since its listing in 2013, and oversaw the Group's growth over the last ten years from a small business with three studios into a leader in the video games industry with a global presence.  The Board will greatly miss his contribution, humour and passion for the business and industry. 

The Board had previously appointed Don Robert as Non-executive Director and Chair Designate as part of a planned succession, with Ross due to retire from the Board at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) on 26 May 2023. Due to these unfortunate circumstances, the Board has brought forward this succession and appointed Don as Chair with immediate effect. Don's remuneration will remain unchanged until after the AGM.

Bertrand Bodson, CEO of Keywords Studios, commented:

"Today is a very sad day for all of us at Keywords. Ross has been a huge influence on the Group and we were looking forward to being able to mark and celebrate his contribution in two weeks, when he had been due to start his well-deserved retirement. For me personally, Ross was a huge source of guidance and knowledge over my first 18 months in the role and I will miss his wise counsel. On behalf of everyone at Keywords, we send our sincere condolences to all of his family and friends."

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About Keywords Studios (www.keywordsstudios.com)

Keywords Studios is an international technical and creative services provider to the global video games and entertainment industries. Established in 1998, and now with over 70 facilities in 26 countries strategically located in Asia, Australia, the Americas, and Europe, it provides services across the entire content development life cycle through its Create, Globalize and Engage service lines to a large blue-chip client base across the globe.

Keywords Studios has a strong market position, providing services to 24 of the top 25 most prominent games companies. Across the games and entertainment industry, clients include Activision Blizzard, Bandai Namco, Bethesda, Electronic Arts, Epic Games, Konami, Microsoft, Netflix, Riot Games, Square Enix, Supercell, TakeTwo, Tencent and Ubisoft. Recent titles worked on include Elden Ring, Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order, Valorant, League of Legends, Fortnite, Clash Royale and Doom Eternal. Keywords Studios is listed on AIM, the London Stock Exchange regulated market (KWS.L).