EXCLUSIVE: There’s change afoot at Arcade, the creator management company that represents The Sidemen.
Former Vice Media EMEA boss Matt Elek has been named CEO, with currently Chief Exec and co-founder Jordan Schwarzenberger stepping down away from the day-to-day running of the company.
Schwarzenberger had formally taken on the role of CEO earlier this year, as part of a restructure that saw fellow co-founder Sam Uwins become COO and former News UK exec Connor Suckling become Head of Original Video, as we revealed at the time.
Elek is already an Arcade board member, and he will work closely with Schwarzenberger on the company’s long-term vision. He will lead on business operations and day-to-day management, while Schwarzenberger will continue to lead on business strategy, client development and growth opportunities alongside co-founder San Uwins.
“As Sam and I looked at the immense growth trajectory of the business, we knew that we needed someone with elite experience to help guide us through,” said Schwarzenberger. “As a founder, I believe in replacing yourself with the best talent when the time is right, and we are deeply grateful that Matt has agreed to join us as CEO. We’re looking forward to working closely with him to make our ambitious vision for Arcade a reality.”
Elek has worked in media management for more than two decades, initially joining Vice’s EMEA business in 2002. He became CEO of the hipster brand’s EMEA operation in 2009 and held the post for a decade. He was most recently Chief Commercial Officer at Lumina, the talent, production and media investments company launched by Thomas Benski, whose Pulse Films business was acquired by Vice.
Lumina made a seven-figure investment for a minority stake in Arcade last September. The deal came with a pledge of “capital and strategic expertise” that would allow Arcade to “accelerate its expansion across EMEA.” Elek appears to embody that promise.
“It’s a hugely exciting moment to be joining Arcade as CEO,” said Elek. “After spending the last nine months on Arcade’s board, I’m in the privileged position of being deeply embedded in the company already, which continues to go from strength to strength as a unique, rapidly expanding player in creator-led media. I look forward to continuing to work closely with Jordan and Sam to drive the business forward as we embark on this new phase of growth together.”
Just over a month ago, The Sidemen lost its most popular member, KSI, who surprised the rest of the group when he announced he was leaving after 13 years. KSI said “nothing bad” occurred between him and the other six Sidemen and thanks thanked them in a video revealing the departure.
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