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The shift will allow outgoing CEO Brjann Sigurgeirsson to focus on game development.

Chris Kerr, News Editor

August 10, 2022

2 Min Read
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Thunderful Group CEO Brjann Sigurgeirsson has stepped down to take on a new role within the company's video games segment.

It's unclear exactly why Sigurgeirsson is shifting roles, although comments in Thunderful's latest fiscal report indicate the decision is part of a changing business strategy.

"We are now around 450 colleagues working on a large number of promising projects, and we have an exciting time ahead of us. With that, the time has come for me to step down as CEO of Thunderful Group and for new forces to lead the group as we enter the next phase. Our former CFO Anders Maiqvist takes over as acting CEO, and the company is in good hands," said Sigurgeirsson.

"I would like to thank all my colleagues for their support and constant hard work. I will continue in a new role within our Games segment and look forward to focusing on game development again.

That's one of a number of personnel changes, with Callum Underwood also stepping down as managing director of Thunderful's investment pillar Robot Teddy for personal reasons. The company's chief games officer Agostino Simonetta, who joined Thunderful in 2021 from ID@Xbox, has been appointed acting managing director of Robot Teddy to help steady the ship.

Thunderful reported a net loss of SEK 21.8 million ($1.7 million) for the second quarter ended June 30, 2022, but said its games segment remains in good health with net sales of SEK 114.9 million ($9.3 million) and adjusted EBITA of SEK 34.6 million ($2.8 million).

According to Sigurgeirsson, those numbers were achieved despite a one-off impairment of SEK 10 million related to the PC and Steam launch of The Gunk in the second quarter.

"Adjusted for the one-off impairment, this is one of the best quarters to date for the Games segment, and the growth is non-organic," said the outgoing CEO. "Our business development and strategy agency Robot Teddy has signed deals and is the main contributor to the adjusted EBITA growth. Robot Teddy have again proven their ability for find and sign game-changing titles that few others would be able to."

Moving forward, Thunderful will begin the search for a new CEO who'll be able to lead the company on a "continued growth journey."

About the Author(s)

Chris Kerr

News Editor, GameDeveloper.com

Game Developer news editor Chris Kerr is an award-winning journalist and reporter with over a decade of experience in the game industry. His byline has appeared in notable print and digital publications including Edge, Stuff, Wireframe, International Business Times, and PocketGamer.biz. Throughout his career, Chris has covered major industry events including GDC, PAX Australia, Gamescom, Paris Games Week, and Develop Brighton. He has featured on the judging panel at The Develop Star Awards on multiple occasions and appeared on BBC Radio 5 Live to discuss breaking news.

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