The Grapevine, Texas-based videogame retailer said Jim Bell will resign as executive vice president and chief financial officer March 26. He was appointed in June 2019.
PHOTO: GAMESTOP
GameStop, which also sells consumer electronics and gaming merchandise, didn’t provide a reason for Mr. Bell’s departure, but said it wasn’t related to a disagreement with the company or its operations, policies or practices. It lauded “his significant contributions and leadership, including his efforts over the past year during the Covid-19 pandemic.”
The company said it has launched the search for a successor “to help accelerate the company’s transformation.” It plans to appoint Chief Accounting Officer Diana Jajeh to the role of interim CFO if it doesn’t find a permanent replacement for Mr. Bell by the time he leaves.
GameStop last year came under pressure from Chewy Inc. co-founder Ryan Cohen, who holds a nearly 13% stake through his investment firm RC Ventures LLC. RC Ventures in November sent a letter to GameStop’s board urging it to conduct a strategic review of the business and reduce its reliance on physical retail, focusing on e-commerce instead.