SYBO has today (1 December) confirmed that Philip Hickey has joined the company as chief marketing officer, while Naz Amarchi-Cuevas will depart at the end of the year.
Phil (pictured above with Naz) is charged with ‘unlocking the next level’ of marketing opportunities as its Subway Surfers game and brand continues to grow in its second decade – including setting strategy for a new genre that SYBO is entering in the puzzle category.
Phil joins SYBO from Seriously Digital Entertainment where he led brand, marketing and communications for eight years for the popular Best Fiends game. Prior to that, he was responsible for heading the marketing strategy and execution for Angry Birds.
“We couldn’t be happier, in fact, delighted to welcome Phil, it was almost surreal and serendipitous to have been able to bring him on board during this time,” commented Mathias Gredal Nørvig, SYBO’S ceo. “It feels like a natural step change for us to bring someone as strong as Phil, already having worked with both Naz and with David Byrne, who serves as our coo and head of games, while they were at Rovio.”
Meanwhile, Naz Amarchi-Cuevas – who joined SYBO in 2017 and has been serving as chief commercial officer for Subway Surfers – has decided to depart at the end of the year.
Mathias continued: “Naz has been fundamental to SYBO’s growth story. Her leadership, business acumen and keen understanding of the entertainment space has no doubt been one of the driving factors in our worldwide continued success.
“We are sad to see her go but support her wholeheartedly as she continues in her professional journey, and most importantly, she remains a friend of the studio.”
SYBO is continuing its growth story – planning to move to a new office in the heart of Copenhagen in the first quarter of the year, and counts over 35 nationalities within its 160 employee base. It is currently looking for additional members to join the company, and plans to be at about 200 by the end of 2023, in order to support not only the classic Subway Surfers game, but also, additional games in the pipeline.
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