Highlights

  • Jo Cooke joined the Board as Chief Executive Officer on 1 January 2026
  • Jonny Watts to remain on the Board until 31 May 2026 to support transition
  • Company outlines statutory disclosures and share option details

Frontier Developments plc (AIM:FDEV) has confirmed that Jo Cooke formally joined its Board as Chief Executive Officer on 1 January 2026, following an earlier announcement made on 16 December 2025. The Cambridge-based video games developer and publisher stated that the appointment takes effect as planned, with existing leadership arrangements in place to ensure continuity.

As previously disclosed, Jonny Watts will continue to serve on the Board until 31 May 2026. The Company said this period is intended to support an orderly leadership transition as Cooke assumes executive responsibilities.

Board Appointment and Transition

Jo Cooke’s appointment marks the completion of a leadership process communicated to the market in December. Frontier noted that the transition period allows for operational and strategic handover, with Watts remaining available during the first five months of 2026.

No additional changes to Board composition were announced alongside the confirmation of Cooke’s start date.

Background and Directorships

Johanna (Jo) Mair Cooke, formerly McNevin, is aged 59. The Company disclosed details of her current and recent directorships and partnerships in line with regulatory requirements.

Her current directorship includes Hillside Clubhouse. Over the past five years, Cooke has held roles at UK Interactive Entertainment Associated Limited and Hillside Trading CIC. Frontier stated that these disclosures form part of the standard information required under the AIM Rules for Companies.

Share Options Disclosure

Frontier also outlined Cooke’s interests in the Company’s share-based incentive arrangements. She currently holds 25,000 options over ordinary shares of 0.5p each under the Company’s Long Term Incentive Plan.

The exercise price of these options is set at the nominal value of 0.5p per share. The options are scheduled to vest on 8 August 2028 and are not subject to performance conditions. Beyond these details, Cooke has confirmed that there is no further information required to be disclosed under Schedule 2, paragraph (g) of the AIM Rules.

About Frontier Developments

Founded in 1994 by David Braben, co-author of the Elite game, Frontier Developments is an independent developer and publisher of video games headquartered in Cambridge, UK. The Company develops titles primarily for personal computers and video game consoles, using its proprietary COBRA game development technology.

Frontier stated that no further announcements are being made in connection with the CEO appointment at this time.

Shares of FDEV last traded at GBX 443.00 on 31 December 2025.