ANALYST VIEWS: IS IAN SHEPHERD A GOOD FIT FOR GAME GROUP?
SIMON DAVIES | COLLINS STEWART
“Game is in pretty choppy waters at present without a firm hand on the tiller. Given the evolution of the video games market over the next couple of years, the firm could benefit from someone with a background in technology and retail, so Shepherd does seem to fit the bill.”
SANJAY VIDYARTHI | EXECUTION NOBLE
“There are certainly positive elements to Shepherd’s CV but he is essentially an unknown entity. Game Group faces some difficult challenges ahead and needs pretty brave leadership, so we will have to wait and see if he can make those tough decisions.”
JONATHAN JACKSON | KILLIK & CO
“I take a glass-half-full view – the news brings some welcome stability, and Shepherd’s marketing and consumer background will be helpful. This isn’t a job you would take without an exit plan in mind, so he must already have some idea of how he wants to turn around the business.”
FREDDIE GEORGE | SEYMOUR PIERCE
“Shepherd’s appointment was the most positive part of Game’s statement yesterday. Since Lisa Morgan left in April the business has been going downhill and this is a tick in the box for the company, whatever he is paid – there are a lot of people who would have turned this job down.”