Jelly Entertainment Appoints Steven Matsell as CEO

Jelly Entertainment has announced a pivotal leadership change with the appointment of Steven Matsell as CEO, positioning the company for significant growth and global expansion in 2025. With a wealth of industry expertise and a strategic vision, Matsell is set to strengthen Jelly Entertainment’s market footprint, while former CEO David Newstead transitions to Chief Business Development Officer. This move completes Jelly’s C-Suite reorganization, designed to accelerate the company’s growth trajectory and enhance partnerships in the evolving iGaming landscape.

Jelly Entertainment Names Steven Matsell CEO to Drive Growth and Global Expansion

Jelly Entertainment, the UK-based game developer, has appointed Steven Matsell as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Matsell’s arrival marks the completion of Jelly’s strategic C-Suite realignment as the company gears up for ambitious plans in 2025. Known for his strong leadership in the iGaming industry, Matsell brings over 20 years of experience to Jelly, having held prominent roles at companies like Gaming Technology Solutions (GTS) and Leander Games. His appointment signals Jelly’s commitment to driving growth, expanding into new markets, and delivering enhanced gaming experiences for players worldwide.

Matsell takes over the CEO role from David Newstead, who will transition to Chief Business Development Officer (CBDO). In his new role, Newstead will focus on expanding Jelly’s market presence and nurturing key partnerships. Together, the two leaders are set to shape Jelly Entertainment’s next chapter, leveraging their complementary strengths to capitalize on emerging opportunities within the gaming industry.

Key Points of Jelly Entertainment’s Strategic Leadership Change

1. Steven Matsell’s Appointment as CEO
   With a robust career in iGaming, Matsell’s appointment as CEO is a strategic choice that aligns with Jelly’s growth ambitions. Previously, Matsell served as Director at Gaming Technology Solutions (a division of Playtech) and as CEO of Leander Games, where he gained experience in scaling operations and expanding market reach. After Leander was acquired by Raw iGaming, Matsell became Chief Commercial Officer, playing a key role in integrating business operations and developing strategic partnerships. Reflecting on his new role, Matsell said, “Stepping into this role excites me, and I’m inspired by the talented team around me. My goal is to build on the strong foundation David established, accelerating growth and new market expansion while upholding our commitment to service, relationships, and values.”
2. David Newstead’s Shift to Chief Business Development Officer
   Having led Jelly Entertainment as CEO, David Newstead has been instrumental in building the company’s foundation and driving its early success. By moving to the role of Chief Business Development Officer, Newstead will concentrate on Jelly’s market expansion and sales strategies, areas where his expertise can have a direct impact. “David has been key in building Jelly into what it is today,” noted Matsell. “His move to CBDO will allow him to focus on his true strength—developing new business opportunities and nurturing international partnerships.” This shift reflects Jelly’s strategy to strengthen its business development efforts and deepen partnerships, particularly as it continues to expand its content distribution network.
3. A Complete C-Suite Overhaul for Strategic Growth
   Matsell’s appointment is the final move in Jelly’s extensive C-Suite reorganization, which has been underway throughout 2024. The company welcomed Silvio Insigne as CFO, Kim Eaglestone as COO, and Salvador Lima as Chief Commercial Officer (CCO). This revamped executive team brings a diverse range of expertise, positioning Jelly to implement its vision of becoming a premier name in the iGaming sector. According to Newstead, the timing of these leadership changes is ideal, as Jelly is at “an important juncture.” He added, “Steven has a great working rapport with me, aligns perfectly with the culture and character we’ve built, and has been with us from the beginning, playing a key role in driving our success.”

Recent Partnerships and Market Expansion

This leadership reshuffle comes as Jelly continues to build strategic partnerships, including its recent collaboration with Scientific Games. This partnership will see Jelly’s portfolio integrated into Scientific Games’ content platform, increasing Jelly’s reach and solidifying its reputation as a content innovator in iGaming. By aligning itself with industry leaders, Jelly aims to bring its unique gaming experiences to a wider audience, supporting its growth strategy as it prepares for new opportunities in 2025.

The appointment of Steven Matsell as CEO and the C-Suite realignment reflect Jelly Entertainment’s commitment to driving its growth strategy in the competitive iGaming sector. With Matsell’s proven expertise and Newstead’s focus on business development, Jelly is poised to scale new heights, expand its market reach, and deliver top-tier gaming experiences. As Jelly leverages new partnerships and strengthens its leadership, the company is well-positioned to achieve its ambitious 2025 goals and cement its position as a leading innovator in the gaming industry.