Esports Entertainment Group (EEG) has named Damian Mathews as its new Chief Financial Officer (CFO), ahead of what the appointee has described as a “pivotal and exciting” for the company.

Mathews, an economics and politics graduate from the University of Bristol, is a member of Esports Entertainment’s Board of Directors and Chairman of its Audit Committee, replacing incumbent CFO Dan Marks on 2 April 2022.

He joined EEG from a career in investments, having worked as Director of consultancy NZ Pacific Investments from 2012 to 2014 and CFO of the Qatar and Abu Dhabi Investment Company from 2014 to 2020. 

Additional positions have seen Matthews work in management positions at the Commonwealth Bank of Australia Group as well as a range of roles at ABN Amro, Royal Bank of Scotland, Credit Suisse First Boston and KPMG between 1994 and 2009.

Grant Johnson, EEG CEO, said: “Damian Mathews brings more than 25 years of global experience, working across banking, private equity and real estate.”

“Damian has been a valuable part of the company’s board since 2020 and we’re confident Damian’s expertise and leadership will make him a critical partner as we execute on our strategic and financial plan for this year and beyond.”

Mathews appointment is the second major restructuring of EEG’s senior management team since Stuart Tilly was chosen as Chief Operating Officer – Tilly was formerly Chief Legal Officer – towards the end of January.

EEG closed 2021 trading after achieving a number of corporate objectives, most notably acquiring Malta-based betting and gaming operator Bethard for €16 million ($19.5m), with last year marking its first full commercial 12 months as a Nasdaq-listed enterprise.

Mathews commented: “I am delighted to accept the appointment as EEG’s Chief Financial Officer. The company has grown rapidly and has immense ambition in the exciting industry of esports. 2022 will be a pivotal and exciting time as we aim to continue to grab market share and develop and enhance our products to drive strong unit economics. 

“I believe the company’s product offerings are at the early stages of their growth cycles and well-positioned to capitalise on a sizable market opportunity and evolving consumer behaviours. I look forward to helping Esports Entertainment Group in its efforts to further expand its market share in the coming year.”