iGaming company and B2B esports content and solutions provider Esports Entertainment Group has announced the appointment of Damian Mathews as its new Chief Operating Officer. Mathews, a member of the company’s board of directors since June 2020, brings over 25 years of experience in senior finance positions within investment management, banking, and accounting to the role.
In a statement, Alex Igelman, Chief Executive Officer of Esports Entertainment Group, expressed his satisfaction with Mathews’ appointment and highlighted his previous contributions to the company.
“Damian previously served as Chief Financial Officer from April 2022 and was subsequently appointed Chief Operating Officer in June 2022, until his resignation from these roles in December 2022,” noted Igelman. “Despite his departure, he continued to serve as a dedicated member of the board where he felt he could have the greatest impact.”
Igelman further emphasized Mathews’ instrumental role in streamlining operations and advocating for crucial changes within the organization during his prior tenure. The CEO also highlighted Mathews’ alignment with the company’s new direction and the board’s confidence in his ability to contribute to future growth and profitability.
Alex Igelman, Chief Executive Officer
Mathews, sharing his excitement about rejoining the executive team, expressed his confidence in Esports Entertainment Group’s recent turnaround under Alex Igelman’s leadership. Igelman took on the role earlier this year, following former CEO Grant Johnson’s departure.
Igelman joined EEG as Chief Executive in a troubled moment for the esports company. The firm has been struggling since May 2022, when it admitted ‘doubt’ regarding whether it could stay in business for another year. While it ultimately did, it wasn’t without its problems, including divestment efforts, Johnson’s embattled departure and reductions in its employee headcount.
“The esports and iGaming industries are experiencing rapid growth, and I truly believe Esports Entertainment Group is now ideally positioned with the right assets at the right time, with the right leadership and business model to establish a dominant position in this rapidly emerging market,” Mathews stated.
As for past experiences, Mathews has served as the Group Chief Operating Officer for Auckland Real Estate and as the Chief Financial Officer of Qatar and Abu Dhabi Investment Company, a sovereign wealth fund-owned investment company. He also held various senior management positions at the Commonwealth Bank of Australia Group and played key roles in finance and operations at ABN Amro Bank and Royal Bank of Scotland Group.
