التكنولوجيا وأخبارها بوابة الإمارات لتكنولوجيا المعلومات والإتصالات
DREST POWERS AHEAD WITH NEW GAMING CO-CEO
DREST appoints Daniel Svärd, ex Candy Crush Soda Saga GM, as new co-CEO alongside Lucy Yeomans
He joins ahead of the roll out of the exciting next evolution of DREST, due for release in October 2024
The new DREST will take engagement with the real worlds of luxury fashion and lifestyle to an
unprecedented level, featuring real-time narrative quests, live in-game special events and exclusive
branded virtual journeys; reinforcing its leading status in the fashion gaming space
Gaming industry veteran, Chris Wright also joins the business as Chief Technology Officer
Luxury fashion and lifestyle mobile game DREST is delighted to announce the appointment of Daniel
Svärd, who will join Founder and co-Chief Executive Officer Lucy Yeomans and her co-Founder and
Chair Graham Edwards.
Svärd joins DREST with over two decades of experience in gaming platforms, having recently been
the GM of Candy Crush Soda Saga, the second largest game of video game developer and publisher,
King. Svärd, who has held senior positions at Betfair and Bwin, brings considerable leadership,
business and technology acumen. His expertise includes wider commercial company strategy,
business performance and product development. Svärd is a passionate leader, committed to enabling
and supporting the teams he works with to deliver excellent results. He will work closely with leading
luxury content strategist Yeomans, who in turn will focus on DREST’s strategic product, partnerships,
brand communications and creative development.
Svärd joins DREST at a pivotal moment, following a £15 million investment round announced last
year, and as the company prepares to roll out a new and highly improved version of its current game
in October 2024, which includes some groundbreaking features that will reinforce its prominent status
within the fashion gaming ecosystem. Through a highly-curated selection of content and unparalleled
access, the new product proposition transports players into the often exclusive worlds of luxury
fashion, beauty and lifestyle, offering them a unique way to interact with real brands and products
they love; experience real-life events in-game; and co-create content, making them an integral part
of the game’s storytelling. With an already hyper-engaged and hyper-active player base, DREST will
work closely with its luxury brand partners to offer them a platform and a unique experience to
expand their reach to international audiences who adore fashion and styling.
Lucy Yeomans commented: “I am delighted to welcome Daniel to DREST at such an exciting time for
the company. Over the past couple of months, we met with extraordinary candidates from all around
the world but Daniel’s unique leadership qualities and expertise stood out. His gaming experience,
motivational skills, and strong belief in and passion for the DREST vision made him the perfect
candidate. I look forward to working with him to launch the new version of DREST in October and
take the luxury fashion and gaming space to an exciting next level.”
Daniel Svärd said: “I am so happy to join Lucy and the team. There is a clear market opportunity for
DREST, and with more exciting new functionalities and additional proprietary technology coming later
this year, the game will further cement its unique positioning of opening up the exclusive worlds of
luxury fashion to everyone, everywhere. I really look forward to working with the teams to help
DREST achieve its full potential and deliver this new game to the world.”
In addition to Svärd’s appointment, Chris Wright also joins DREST this month in the role of Interim
Chief Technology Officer, replacing Martin Robaszewski who left the business last December. Wright, a
highly experienced technology business consultant with almost 30 years of career in gaming, was
initially brought on board to work with the game teams to look at how to heighten delivery and pace
at this crucial point in the business’ trajectory. Wright will remain with DREST for the next twelve
months while the new game launches globally.
