Derek Lew, currently a non-executive director, has been appointed non-executive Chairman of Guild Esports

Guild Esports (LSE: GILD), a global team organisation and lifestyle brand, announces that Carleton Curtis has made the personal decision to step down as executive chair, and following discussions with the Board, has left the Company.

Derek Lew, currently a non-executive director, has been appointed non-executive Chairman and will lead the Board’s oversight of the executive management team and the Company’s strategy in the next stage of its growth. Mr Lew has 25 years’ capital markets experience in North America and the UK and is an active esports investor. 

In addition, Chris Sullivan, a non-executive director, will assume the role of Senior Independent Director of Guild Esports with immediate effect. Mr Sullivan is currently Deputy Chairman and Senior Independent Director of the London-listed legal firm, DWF Plc and has 43 years’ experience in senior leadership roles with major international banks and insurancecompanies.

Guild’s business operations and strategy remain unaffected and the Company continues to trade in line with management expectations.

Derek Lew, non-executive chairman of Guild Esports, said: “The Board has moved quickly to establish a non-executive role for the new chairman and will continue to have full oversight of the management team and the Company’s strategy under chief executive Kal Hourd. Kal’s key responsibilities include delivering on the Company’s long-term revenue and bottom-line objectives, as well as forging relationships with global brands. He is well supported by a highly experienced and talented cross-functional management team that has already set a strong momentum for the business.”

Kal Hourd, chief executive of Guild Esports, said: “On behalf of the Board and all our colleagues, I want to thank Carleton for his leadership which has laid a strong foundation for Guild’s long-term growth. He has led the Company through its early development and thanks to his passion and drive Guild has emerged as a leading esports organisation in a relatively short period of time since its flotation in October 2020. We wish him all the best for the future. As a co-founder and shareholder in the Company, I remain fully committed to executing our business strategy and vision to build a major global esports organisation. Guild is making excellent progress on all fronts and I look forward to continue working with the Board to create long term value for shareholders.” 

Carleton Curtis said: “It has been a great privilege to lead Guild’s development during its most crucial and formative time. I am proud to be handing over the baton as the business makes strong strides ahead and is well placed to prosper in the years ahead.”

This announcement contains information which, prior to its disclosure, was inside information as stipulated under Regulation 11 of the Market Abuse (Amendment) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019/310 (as amended).