21 June 2023
Keywords Studios plc ("Keywords Studios", "Keywords", the "Company")
Appointment of Chief Financial Officer
Keywords Studios, the international provider of creative and technology-enabled solutions to the global video games and entertainment industries, is pleased to announce that following a comprehensive search process, it has appointed Robert ("Rob") Kingston as Chief Financial Officer. Rob will join the Company and the Board of Directors on 1 July 2023.
Rob is a senior finance executive with a strong track record of delivery across dynamic, international, and acquisitive technology and media companies. His most recent role was as CFO of Flutter Entertainment plc's UK and Ireland division. Prior to this, Rob held a number of progressively senior finance and operational roles at Sky plc between 1994-2019 including Finance Director of Sky's Content Business, Group Director of Investor Relations and latterly as an Executive Director to the Group CEO. Rob is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants.
As previously announced, Jon Hauck will take up his new role as the Group's Chief Operating Officer, remaining on the Board, with effect from 1 July whilst enabling a smooth transition of responsibilities.
Commenting on the appointment, CEO, Bertrand Bodson said: "We are delighted to welcome Rob to Keywords and believe he is the perfect person to succeed Jon in the CFO role. His extensive experience as a senior finance leader within large, international technology-focused entertainment businesses will be invaluable as we continue to drive the future growth of our platform. I look forward to working with him closely when he joins the business next month."
Rob Kingston added: "I'm excited to be joining such a dynamic and entrepreneurial business, with its unique position at the centre of the global video gaming industry. Keywords has ambitious plans to scale its excellent platform by embracing technology and building its relationships with the largest players in the market. I'm looking forward to partnering with the Board and the entire Keywords team to seize the growth and value creation opportunity ahead."
For further information, please contact:
Investor Contacts: |
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Media Contacts: |
Keywords Studios Giles Blackham Director of Investor Relations +44 7714 134 681 |
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MHP Group Katie Hunt / Eleni Menikou / Charles Hirst +44 20 3128 8794
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Numis Securities Nominated Adviser & Broker Stuart Skinner / Will Baunton +44 20 7260 1000 |
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Notes
Other than the previous directorships listed below, there is no further information required to be disclosed pursuant to paragraph (g) of Schedule 2 of the AIM Rules for Companies, in relation to Robert Kingston's appointment to the board.
Robert (aged 52) holds or has held directorships in the five years preceding his appointment at the Company as follows:
Previously in the last five years:
Tombola Services Germany GmbH
Tombola Services SL
Tour Racing Limited
Tombola Limited
Tombola.com Limited
Tombola (International) plc
Tombola (Italy) S.r.l
Tombola Services Denmark ApS
TSS Sweden AB
Tombola Services B.V.
Tombola (Canada) Limited
Tombola International Malta Plc
Tombola (Australia) Pty Ltd
About Keywords Studios (www.keywordsstudios.com)
Keywords Studios is an international technology-enabled solutions 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 Diablo IV, Hogwarts Legacy, Elden Ring, Fortnite, Valorant, League of Legends, Clash Royale and Doom Eternal. Keywords Studios is listed on AIM, the London Stock Exchange regulated market (KWS.L).