Esports Movers and Shakers: April 2022

Each month, ESI compiles the period’s most significant esports movers and shakers. April’s round-up features personnel changes from the likes of Savvy Gaming Group, Vindex, Complexity Gaming and BAYZ, among others.

Here are the key esports movers and shakers from April 2022. To read more about a story below, click the link in the corresponding title.

Image credit: Esports Insider

Spotlighted story

Leaving football, finding esports with Kenny Vaccaro

Image Credit: G1

Last month, Esports Insider spoke with Kenny Vaccaro, an NFL veteran who played as a safety for the New Orleans Saints and the Tennessee Titans, who hung up his helmet and picked up a keyboard and mouse.

Entering the unknown, Vaccaro is now the Co-owner of esports organisation G1 (or Gamers First).


Savvy Gaming Group announces three senior hires

savvy gaming group
Image credit: Savvy Gaming Group

Saudi Arabian esports and gaming company Savvy Gaming Group (SGG) has announced the appointment of three new executive personnel, Kadri Harma, Yannick Theler and Jerry Gamez.

The new hires will lead SGG’s operating companies.


Vindex names Francis Thai as VP of Digital Marketing

Vindex names Francis Thai as VP of Digital Marketing
(ESI Illustration) Image credit: Vindex/Francis Thai

Esports and gaming technology company Vindex has appointed Francis Thai, formerly of NYXL, as its VP of Digital Marketing.

In his new role, Thai will develop digital marketing initiatives and strategies to deepen Vindex’s digital offerings across its subsidiaries.


Complexity Gaming bolsters operations by hiring four personnel

Complexity Gaming x Alcon
Credit: Complexity Gaming

Complexity Gaming, an esports organisation owned by GameSquare Esports, has appointed four new team members.

Rita B. Landells joins Complexity Gaming as its Director of Creative Strategy and Brand Partnerships. Meanwhile, Tyler Wentz has been named Manager of Sponsorships, and Brennan Altringer will be the organisation’s Director of Audience Development. Lastly, Duane Jackson will serve as the Head of Complexity Stars, the organisation’s gaming division for professional athletes and celebrities.


BAYZ announces senior hires from Garena, TikTok, and BBL

Pictured: Carolina Bondioli. Image credit: BAYZ

Blockchain gaming and esports organisation BAYZ is hiring four new executives to expand its Community, Marketing, and Business Operations verticals.

Carolina Bondioli joins in as Director of Content, Nathalia Esteves Bastos as Head of Community, Jota Junior as Director of Partnerships, and Vinicius Junqueira as Director of Global PR and Communications.


Galaxy Racer appoints Alisa Jacobs as Chief Strategy Officer

alisa jacobs
Image credit: Galaxy Racer

Dubai-based esports organisation Galaxy Racer has appointed Alisa Jacobs, the Co-founder of Queens Gaming Collective, as its Chief Strategy Officer.

In her new role, Jacobs will lead business development, talent relations, marketing, media and content for the organisation’s new department in North America.


Juked.gg names T.L. Taylor on advisory board

T.L Taylor and Juked
Image credit: Juked.gg

Esports-focused social media network Juked.gg has welcomed T.L. ‘ybika’ Taylor, the Co-founder of AnyKey, to its advisory board.

In her new role, Taylor will work closely with the Juked team on issues surrounding community building, diversity, equity and inclusion on the platform.


Gaming Community Network appoints Jenn Wong as VP of Strategy and Brand Activations

Gaming-Community-Network-x-Jenn-Wong
Image credit: Gaming Community Network

Esports media agency Gaming Community Network (GCN) has appointed Jenn Wong, formerly of Caesars Entertainment, as its new Vice President of Strategy and Brand Activations.

In the role, Wong will oversee GCN’s expansion of its services to assist brands when connecting with the ‘next generation of consumers’.

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