Publicly traded, Toronto-based esports and gaming company Enthusiast Gaming Holdings (TSX: EGLX) announced Monday that Nick Brien has resigned from his position as chief executive officer. Brien gave his notice of his resignation as CEO and director of the company and it was accepted by the board of directors on Jan. 8, the company announced in a release.
It does not appear that the exit was amicable, as there were no kind words or well wishes in the company’s announcement for Brien’s departure.
Brien is replaced by Adrian Montgomery, who will serve as interim CEO as the board searches for a permanent replacement. Montgomery joined Enthusiast in August of 2019 as its CEO—a role he spent nearly four years in before being elevated to board chair in March of 2023.
Michael Beckerman, lead director of Enthusiast Gaming, said in a release:
“The Company is undergoing a critical transformation, so finding the right leader to drive our organization forward is imperative. As the prior long-term CEO and current Chairman, Adrian has always demonstrated tremendous capital markets expertise and successfully guided the Company to its position as the leading gaming and entertainment company in North America. The Board of Directors believes Adrian is the right person to lead the Company through its transition, supported by a talented team. We appreciate Nick’s contributions and wish him well.”
Nick Brien joined Enthusiast in March 2023 as a replacement for Montgomery, and only served in the role for 11 months. Brien previously served in executive roles at Leo Burnett UK., BBJ Media, Starcom, Universal McCann, IPG Mediabrands, McCann Workgroup, Amobee, and iCrossing, among others. Enthusiast was his first job related to gaming and esports.
Enthusiast Gaming owns a number of major esports and gaming brands and operations including Luminosity Gaming, PocketGamer, Icy Veins, BCC, Arcade Cloud, Storied, Wisecrack, Addicting Games, Fantasy Football Scout, The Sims Resource, Gameknot, and more. The company claims that it owns more than 50 websites, more than 700 YouTube channels, 11 TikTok Channels, more than 13 esports rosters, and is the home to more than 500 content creators. It also operates Tuesday Night Gaming, and entertainment program in conjunction with the NFL.