DREST appoints new Co-CEO as it prepares to launch “highly improved” version

Luxury fashion styling mobile game DREST has appointed Daniel Svärd as Co-CEO to work alongside Founder Lucy Yeomans.

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 "highly improved version" of its current game in October 2024.

Svärd joins DREST with over two decades of experience in gaming platforms, most recently as GM of Candy Crush Soda Saga, the second largest game of video game developer and publisher, King.

Svärd, who has also 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.

The new version of DREST aims to "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.

Yeomans said: "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."

Svärd added: "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 world of luxury fashion to everyone, everywhere."

In addition to Svärd’s appointment, gaming industry veteran 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 will remain with DREST for the next 12 months while the new game launches globally.