eSports group Gfinity Plc (LON:GFIN) has announced a raft of senior appointments following last week’s oversubscribed fundraising.
The AIM quoted company which hosts and promotes eSports events on Friday unveiled a placing of equity to new and existing institutional and other investors; issuing 31.25mln new shares priced at 20p each.
Gfinity has made six leadership appointments including a new chief strategy officer, chief marketing officer and chief operating officer.
"I am delighted to announce the appointment of industry leading individuals, who will complement and enhance the skills of the existing leadership team and accelerate our goal of building a world leading eSports business,” said Neville Upton, Gfinity chief executive.
“The fact that such a group, with strong track records in their respective fields with blue-chip brands have chosen to join Gfinity is a great endorsement both of the potential of the eSports industry and the potential of Gfinity.
“Having an executive team of this quality gives me great confidence in our ability to successfully build on the excellent reputation Gfinity has already developed within the exploding eSports industry."
Introducing the new team
Bryan Healy, formerly head of commerce at UFC, the mixed martial arts promotor, has been hired as Gfinity’s chief strategy officer.
Gfinity’s new chief marketing officer Justin Mier adds significant relevant industry experience gained from previous senior marketing roles at Microsoft Xbox, Electronics Arts and Ubisoft.
Tarum Rose joins as chief operating officer, following a previous role leading operations and service delivery at a leading consumer electronics e-tailer.
Amanda Lawson, Gfinity’s new global head of production, also joins the company after a prior role at the UFC. She was previously head of production operations for ITV Sport where she worked on the coverage of several leading sports franchises such as UEFA Champions League, Indian Premier League 20/20 cricket tournament as well as boxing and motorsport.
Tom Halls, the new head of strategic development, has previously worked for leading consumer brands such as Electronic Arts and Coca-Cola as well as major sports leagues and governing bodies, including Formula E motor racing.
Jeff Early, head of product operation, is noted as being a highly experienced TV operations producer specialising in live broadcasts, particularly around major live sporting events including UFC, the FIFA World Cup, Six Nations Championship, Winter Olympics and the Super Bowl.
New investment for Elite Series, software development and broadcast
On Friday, Gfinity told investors that cash raised in the share placing is earmarked for the continued development of the group’s eSports business.
The company intends to support the launch of the Gfinity Elite Series tournament this summer.
It also plans to back the group’s ongoing software development projects that will deliver a proprietary automated eSports competition management systems.
And, it will put cash into the group’s eSports online broadcasting platform.