Private equity-backed independent video game development studio, Sumo Digital, has appointed Ken Beaty (pictured) as Chairman.
Sumo Digital recently completed an MBO with investment from private equity firm NorthEdge Capital and successfully launched LittleBigPlanet 3 for Sony Computer Entertainment Europe.
During a 20-year career in private equity, Beaty has held a number of high profile board positions, including Non-Executive Director at fashion brand Hobbs and Chairman at Planet X, the high-performance cycling brand.
Founded in 2003, Sumo is headquartered in Sheffield with an office in Pune, India, and employs more than 240 people. Sumo partners with top tier publishers and has developed a number of high profile titles including Forza Horizon 2 for Microsoft’s Xbox360, Sonic and Sega All Star Racing and Xbox Fitness. In November last year, NorthEdge backed Sumo’s existing management team to complete an MBO from Foundation 9 Entertainment.
Sumo has since successfully launched the third game in the popular LittleBigPlanet series. The release has been met with critical acclaim and great feedback from the user community, further cementing Sumo’s position in the international video game industry.
Carl Cavers, CEO at Sumo Digital, says: “The backing from NorthEdge has helped us to strengthen our position in the market and Ken’s experience will add tremendous value at an exciting time for the business.”
Beaty adds: “The team at Sumo has had a fantastic few months. The company’s recent launch of LittleBigPlanet 3 has been one of Sumo’s most successful to date. am really looking forward to working with the business as it builds momentum in delivering its three key strategic objectives of improving and growing the core business, enhancing its market presence and investing in original IP creation.”
