Team17 Group, the gaming organization behind popular games like Overcooked and Worms, is getting a new CEO. Steve Bell has been named the new CEO of the company after serving as the global group CEO of Iris Worldwide Holdings Limited. He will assume his new role on January 1st, 2023, while current CEO Debbie Bestwick will remain in her position until the end of that year.
Debbie Bestwick Stepping Down
Debbie Bestwick has been with Team17 since its inception in 1990 as commercial director. She eventually made her way up to becoming joint CEO in 2009 and took over as sole CEO in 2010, becoming one of the only female CEOs in the industry. Bestwick announced that she would be stepping down from her role back in March of this year.
Bestwick plans to stay on with the company until the end of 2023, working closely with Bell to ensure a smooth transition of leadership. After that, she’ll join the board as a non-executive director.
“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,” said Bestwick. “Steve’s experience as a cofounder 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 in my role as a non-executive director.”
Bell Brings Digital Marketing Expertise
Before joining Team17, Bell co-founded Iris Worldwide Holdings Limited, a global integrated marketing agency specializing in brand and digital marketing strategy. Bell brings with him extensive knowledge and experience in the digital marketing space.
“I am thrilled to be joining Team17,” said Bell. “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. I look forward to working closely with the Board, Mark (CFO), Michael, Julia, Tim and Emmet – the Group’s divisional CEO’s and their broader teams to bring even more compelling games and apps to players, alongside driving further momentum by supporting the Group’s successful organic and acquisitive growth strategy.”
Team17 remains committed to providing gamers with the best possible experience, and we can’t wait to see what the future holds with Steve Bell at the helm.