Gaming services provider Side announced a strategic reconfiguration of its executive team to “sharpen operational delivery and commercial go-to-market capabilities.” Olivier Deslandes has been promoted to chief operating officer, consolidating responsibility for global operations, HR, and services delivery.
A two-decade veteran at Side, Deslandes’ elevation aims to strengthen delivery resilience and profitability as the company continues to scale in high-priority markets. Sijo Jose has been appointed chief services officer, focusing on client delivery excellence.
Martin McBride has been promoted to chief commercial officer and will lead commercial strategy and brand‑building functions, including marketing, M&A, public and investor relations, internal communications, employer branding, and talent acquisition.
Kaley Hurst, Side’s newly appointed chief marketing officer, will be responsible for strengthening the company’s marketing and integrated communications strategy to showcase Side’s work and value proposition. To align commercial priorities with corporate strategy during this important growth phase, Side’s sales arm will report directly to CEO Deborah Kirkham.
“Taking on the COO role is a true privilege. After years dedicated to managing our services, opening studios, launching products and building bespoke technology, my focus will be to ensure our operations and delivery match our growth ambition. We must scale reliably, expand our offerings to meet client needs, and keep bringing world‑class titles to market,” said Deslandes in a press release.
“Our focus is simple: showcase the incredible games Side helps bring to life and the talent who make them,” said McBride. “I’m grateful to Deborah and the team for their trust as I lead Side’s commercial strategy; from the first moment someone encounters our work, through the day they join us, and for every moment they spend at Side. There’s nowhere I’d rather be, and no team I’d rather do it with.”
In addition to changes at the C-Suite level, Side has promoted Chris Donnelly to senior audio director. Recent changes at the director level include the hiring of player support lead, Caroline McDonald, and the promotion of Matt Furmidge, now Director of Localisation and Localisation QA. The combined changes have strengthened Side across its C-Suite and delivery leadership teams, positioning the company well for a strong year as a newly London-based business.
The leadership team will gather in London in June for Westminster Games Week, the leading UK games industry policy event powered by Ukie. Side will be the lead sponsor this year and will join industry peers, MPs and policy workers to celebrate games made in the UK, played worldwide.