Wakefield’s Team17 announces more board changes

Wakefield-based Team17 Group, the developer of video games and educational entertainment apps, announced on Wednesday the appointment of Peter Whiting, 57, as an independent non-executive director (NED) who will join the board on August 1, 2023.

“Peter is a highly experienced NED, having spent over ten years in several non-executive roles across a wide range of companies,” said Team17.

“Beginning his career as an equity research analyst at Panmure Gordon, Peter later moved to UBS where he specialised in the UK Technology, Engineering and Automotive sectors, before going on to become Chief Operating Officer of UBS European Equity Research.

“Since leaving UBS in 2011, Peter has served as a NED on a variety of boards, including current roles with FDM Group (Holdings) plc, D4t4 Solutions plc and Kooth plc and previously at companies including Aptitude Software plc and Keystone Law plc.

“Peter will also assume the role of chair of the remuneration committee, a role in which he has significant prior experience.”

The company also said on Wednesday that Martin Hellawell, senior independent non-executive director, will step down from his position on the board in order to focus on his other business commitments.

“Martin joined Team17 in September 2019 and has supported the senior management team through a significant period of growth,” said Team17. “Martin will formally leave the board on 31 July 2023.”

On June 6, Team17 announced the appointment of Steve Bell as chief executive officer.

Bell, 50, will join the board on September 4, 2023, as group chief executive officer designate, formally assuming the role of group CEO from January 1, 2024.

Debbie Bestwick will continue in the role of CEO until December 31, 2023, working closely with Bell in the initial months of his appointment to ensure a smooth transition and then become a non-executive director on January 1, 2024.

Team17 chair Chris Bell said: “On behalf of the board, I would like to extend a warm welcome to Peter, who joins Team17 with a wealth of plc and city experience.”