React Gaming selects Leigh Hughes as Interim CEO

The publicly-traded holding company that stands at the forefront of the iGaming and esports industry, React Gaming Group, announced it appointed Leigh Hughes to serve as its Interim Chief Executive Officer (CEO).

The announcement came Tuesday and sees Hughes replace the current CEO and President Laurent Benezra. The change is with immediate effect. However, React isn't parting ways with Benezra. Instead, he will remain as a part of the company but assume a consultancy role.

React Gaming revealed that the recent leadership change seeks to improve its operational performance. At the same time, the company wants to optimize its growth opportunities. According to React, its near-term focus would be to expand the reach of its leading online esports betting platform LOOT.BET.

In a statement released on Tuesday, June 28, 2022, Hughes said: "I am excited to have the opportunity to leverage the assets that React Gaming has acquired over the past year, including LOOT.BET, Compete.gg and Parabellum, all of which are top-tier assets with significant growth potential."

He acknowledged that the company has a strong foundation and a dedicated team. Hughes pointed out that in his role as CEO, he will build on the strong foundation and collaborate with React's outstanding team of professionals to help the company grow further and reach a leadership position within the esports industry.

Besides being an entrepreneur, Hughes is also a venture capitalist with more than two decades of experience. He has worked with public and private companies in key regions such as North America, Australia as well as the Asia-Pacific. Hughes has a Bachelor of Commerce degree from Curtin University in Australia.

Two times he has been nominated for the prestigious Young Australian of the Year award. On the other hand, Hughes was named winner of the 40under40 Awards in 2012, recognizing Western Australia's top 40 business achievers.

Moreover, Hughes is the founder of COMVERJ Ventures, an ideas company that helps businesses with strategic planning, marketing and identifies mergers and acquisitions opportunities.

Philip Nolan, a member of the Board at React Gaming commented on the topic: "We are thrilled that Leigh has agreed to take on this challenge and lead the company with the goal of creating sustainable value for our shareholders." He explained that Hughes has the needed expertise to help React reach a new level, considering his track record and experience.

Nolan acknowledged that React has seen significant growth in the last year within the iGaming and esports industry via its LOOT.BET acquisition. Last but not least he said: "Given the Corporation's current development stage and market environment, we considered that a change of leadership was needed to unlock React Gaming's full potential."

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