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GAME shares tumble after sudden departure of chief financial officer

Last updated: 14:55 23 Jan 2018 GMT, First published: 08:50 23 Jan 2018 GMT

xbox controller
Gifford recently oversaw the sale of Multiplay Digital and negotiated new longer-term Spanish bank facilities

Game Digital PLC (LON:GMD) shares plummeted on Tuesday following the sudden departure of the retailer’s chief financial officer, Mark Gifford.

Gifford will step down from his role with immediate effect in order to focus on “other business and personal interests”.

READ: GAME Digital soars on better-than-expected second half performance

He will stay on at GAME until the end of March though in order to support chief executive Martyn Gibbs and the finance team.

The video games retailer has already begun the search to find a suitable successor.

“I would like to thank Mark for the significant contribution he has made to our business,” said CEO Gibbs.

READ: Game Digital boosted as Sports Direct takes 25% stake

“Mark has worked incredibly hard to create a solid platform, from which we are transforming GAME.  All of the team would like to take this opportunity to wish him the very best for the future.”

'Leaves GAME in good shape'

“Today's news is unexpected,” wrote Liberum analyst Adam Tomlinson, who has the stock as a 'hold' with a 65p target price.

“Gifford has helped steer the business through a period of significant change, which has included developing the Events and Esports division as a key part of the group's long-term strategy, rationalising the UK Retail cost base and, more recently, securing the refinancing of the group's Spanish operations.

“We believe he leaves the group in good shape, as demonstrated by the recent strong Christmas trading update, and we are hopeful of the appointment of a replacement in due course to continue the group’s good momentum.”

Shares dived 11.6% to 41.6p in late afternoon trading on Tuesday.

--Updates for broker comment and share price--

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