Everplay Group Plc (LON:EVPL), a leading global independent games developer and publisher of premium video games, working simulation games and children’s edutainment apps, has announced a Board update and reaffirms that FY 2025 trading remains in line with market expectations as detailed in its full year results announcement of 26 March 2025.
· Steve Bell to step down as Chief Executive Officer, to be replaced by Frank Sagnier as interim Executive Chair, with immediate effect
· Penny Judd appointed Senior Independent Director with immediate effect
· Trading for the year ended 31 December 2025 (FY 2025) remains in line with market expectations
Board Update
The Board and Steve Bell have mutually agreed that he will step down from the Board and his position as Chief Executive Officer with immediate effect, and Frank Sagnier, currently Non-Executive Chair of the Board, will be appointed as interim Executive Chair. The Board will commence a recruitment process to appoint a new CEO in due course.
Frank has nearly thirty years of gaming sector experience, having held public, private equity and senior roles with Codemasters, Electronic Arts, Acclaim Entertainment, and Funcom. Frank will ensure the continued execution of the Group’s strategic plan, supporting the existing executive team and divisional leaders, enabling the Board to have adequate time to recruit the suitable candidate.
To maintain everplay’s high standards of corporate governance and the Board’s oversight of ongoing strategy execution, Penny Judd, Non-Executive Director, will become the Senior Independent Director in addition to remaining Chair of the Audit Committee. Penny has over 30 years’ experience in Compliance, Regulation, Corporate Finance and Audit and has been a Board member of everplay since its IPO in 2018.
The Board will provide updates on the CEO recruitment process as and when appropriate.
Current Trading
As part of the FY 2024 unaudited results announcement on 26 March 2025, the Board confirmed that it expected to deliver an improved trading performance in FY 2025, marginally ahead of then current market expectations, alongside declaring a proposed maiden dividend. The Board is pleased to reiterate that trading remains in line with these subsequently upgraded expectations and continues to be well positioned for growth over the medium to long term.
everplay group expects to issue a H1 2025 trading update in early-July.
Frank Sagnier, Interim Executive Chair of everplay group plc, said:
“On behalf of the Board I would like to thank Steve for both his commitment and support over the past two years, in particular rebranding the business and supporting the reset of our strategic focus. The Board and everplay team wish him every success in his future endeavours.
“As interim Executive Chair, I look forward to working with the broader leadership team as the business continues to execute on its strategic priorities: to accelerate growth alongside improving profitability, with an elevated focus on first-party IP, our evergreen franchises and improved returns. I am also grateful to the Board for their continued support and counsel and would like to personally thank Debbie for her ongoing commitment to everplay and industry insight as a Board director.”
