Team17 Group plc has revealed its successor to group CEO Debbie Bestwick MBE.
Steve Bell will join the board of the games studio and publisher on 4th September 2023 then formally assume the full role from 1st January 2024 when Bestwick transitions to a non-executive director position.
Bell joins from Iris Worldwide Holdings, a marketing agency specialising in brand and digital marketing strategy, which he co-founded in 1999. Assuming the role of global group chief executive in 2021 saw him managing over 1,000 employees in 14 offices around the world.
Prior to co-founding Iris, Steve worked for the advertising and retail agency Arc Worldwide, spending over five years working across a number of high-profile integrated accounts.
“We are delighted to have attracted a candidate of Steve’s calibre to Team17,” said Chris Bell, non-executive chair at Team17.
“Having worked with some of the world’s leading brands, Steve brings a wealth of commercial and digital marketing experience to Team17, and we look forward to leveraging this expertise as Team17 moves forward to its next stage of growth.”
Bestwick said: “As a board, we have run a rigorous process to find a new group chief executive and we are delighted to announce Steve as my successor.
“Steve’s experience as a co-founder of a people-centric business means he understands the importance of our vibrant and inclusive company culture which remains the cornerstone of everything we do across the group.
“I look forward to working with Steve through the handover process, and to supporting him and the broader team thereafter.”
Bell added: “I am thrilled to be joining Team17. The company has an incredible track record and I’m excited to help build on the group’s strong foundations to continue its impressive growth trajectory.”