PERTH, AUS – VGW announces that CEO, Executive Chairman and founder Laurence Escalante has made the decision to resign from the company, effective immediately.

Mr Escalante has been on a leave of absence since January, when the company became aware of charges made against Mr Escalante by WA Police that are unrelated to VGW and personal in nature.

At this time, VGW appointed senior executive Mats Johnson as Acting CEO to lead the business alongside its experienced executive leadership team. Mr Johnson will remain Acting CEO while the company undertakes a global search for this key leadership role.

Mr Escalante informed the company he had decided to resign to focus on personal matters, as well as his private business, investing and philanthropic interests at his family office.

On behalf of the business, the executive leadership team acknowledges Mr Escalante’s founding, vision and growth of VGW since 2010.

“Laurence started VGW 16 years ago and grew it from an innovative idea in Perth into one of Australia’s largest unlisted businesses and overseas success stories,” Mr Johnson said.

“He pioneered a new social gaming category that is now a major market in the US, the largest consumer and gaming market in the world, delivering world-class entertainment to millions of players. We thank Laurence for these and many other achievements and contributions at VGW, and for the confidence he is showing in us – and all our 1300 team members – to continue VGW’s successes in the future.”

Media contact: media@vgw.co