Savvy Games Group CEO Brian Ward to step down – report

Image via Getty / Savvy Games Group

Brian Ward is reportedly stepping down as CEO of Saudi Arabia’s Savvy Games Group after leading the company since its formation.

Bloomberg reported on Tuesday that Ward is leaving the top role at the Public Investment Fund-owned games and esports company. Savvy has yet to publicly announce the departure or name a successor.

Ward joined Savvy as its founding CEO and has overseen its expansion into one of the biggest companies in the global games and esports industry.

During his tenure, Savvy acquired mobile games company Scopely, which later acquired Niantic’s games business, including Pokémon GO. The group also expanded its global esports presence through ESL FACEIT Group and investments across the industry.

Savvy has meanwhile continued to invest in Saudi Arabia’s domestic games ecosystem, including game development, education, startups and local talent, as part of the Kingdom’s wider ambitions for the sector.

Ward has led Savvy since its establishment in 2021. The company’s 2024 annual report said it had grown to nearly 4,000 employees across 22 countries and deployed more than $12 billion across acquisitions and investments under his leadership.

Savvy has yet to issue an official statement on Ward’s reported departure.