In a significant development for the online gaming giant Nazara, the company has announced that its Chief Operating Officer (COO) Sudhir Kamath will be stepping down from his role. According to a filing with the stock exchanges, Kamath’s resignation will be effective from April 1, 2025. The outgoing COO has attributed his decision to relocate to his native city of Delhi in order to be closer to his family.
Sudhir Kamath joined Nazara Technologies as COO in 2022, bringing with him extensive experience in the gaming and technology sectors. Kamath, an alumnus of the prestigious Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Ahmedabad, quickly established himself as a key player in Nazara’s strategic operations. As COO, he was instrumental in overseeing Nazara’s day-to-day activities, managing operations, and playing a crucial role in driving the company’s growth trajectory in the rapidly evolving online gaming industry.
Before joining Nazara, Kamath had a significant career in the gaming sector. He co-founded 9stacks, an online poker platform, where he served as the CEO for more than five years. Under his leadership, 9stacks made a strong impact in India’s growing online poker scene, and Kamath’s entrepreneurial experience became a valuable asset to Nazara’s leadership team.
Kamath’s resignation comes as a surprise to many in the gaming industry, as his leadership at Nazara was widely regarded as a pivotal period in the company’s growth. However, Kamath has stated that his decision to step down is driven by personal reasons, specifically his plans to relocate to Delhi to be with his family.
This decision reflects a common trend in professional careers where personal and family considerations lead to a shift in priorities. Kamath’s professional journey has been marked by his strong commitment to the gaming industry, and his departure from Nazara will likely be felt by both employees and stakeholders.
During Kamath’s time as COO, Nazara continued to strengthen its position in the global gaming industry. Nazara, known for its wide array of mobile gaming offerings, esports platforms, and strategic investments in various gaming startups, has expanded its footprint significantly under his guidance. The company, which was listed on the Indian stock exchanges in 2021, has emerged as a major player in the growing Indian gaming and esports market.
As COO, Kamath played a vital role in overseeing strategic initiatives, operational efficiency, and scaling up Nazara’s business operations across multiple verticals. His experience in leading a gaming startup like 9stacks helped him bring a fresh perspective to Nazara, contributing to its expansion into new markets and partnerships with global gaming companies.
While Sudhir Kamath’s departure marks the end of an era for Nazara, the company remains committed to its ambitious growth plans. Nazara’s management will likely look for a new leader to fill the position of COO, someone capable of continuing the company’s growth in the highly competitive online gaming market.
In conclusion, Sudhir Kamath’s resignation from Nazara is a notable event in the Indian gaming industry. His contributions to Nazara’s success and his previous experience in the online gaming space have left a lasting impact on the company. As Kamath prepares to move back to Delhi for family reasons, Nazara will be looking ahead to its next phase of growth, ensuring that the legacy of strong leadership continues to guide the company’s future success.