Adolf Kristjansson

I was brought into the board due to my gaming and publishing expertise, to ask the tough questions of the direction, and the strategy of the group. In recent years, Thunderful has faced financial challenges, leading to strategic restructuring, including divestments and cost-cutting initiatives. These measures are intended to bolster profitability and enhance long-term growth in its Games segment by focusing on fewer, more impactful projects. Thunderful aims to maintain its competitive edge by leveraging cash flow from Distribution to fund its Games segment, supporting both organic growth and selective acquisitions .

Advised the leadership team on the strategy, positioning, the products, potential acquisition targets, investor decks etc.

Strategic Lead responsible for overseeing the commercial success of world renowned brands eg. FIFA, Battlefield, Star Wars, and Apex, generating over $1.6B per annum. Defined the short- and long term commercial franchise strategy for EA’s key IPs in close collaboration with our brand, and development partners. Full lifecycle design, and implementation across all channels, business models, and across our wide range of brand partnerships. As a core member of the franchises leadership teams, I spearheaded cross-franchise projects, while fostering synergy, and collaboration to implement these projects across the company. Acted as the global representative of players, partners, markets, competitors, and distribution channels, and made sure that key insights, and needs were implemented in game development, marketing, commercial, and lifecycle strategy. Mentored, and coached more than dozen of future senior management leaders at EA.

In my role as the Global Digital Lead, I held the responsibility of transitioning and grow over $2 billion in revenue from traditional channels to digital channels, which resulted in 10 point margin improvement. Built and delivered the digital partner strategy, which resulted in the company becoming the number one publisher across our global partner channels, in terms of marketshare, revenue, and share of voice. Built the business from ground up, hired, mentored, and coached the majority of the global digital team operating across four geographical locations. The team was tasked with owning, and driving the digital transition for the company. Built the digital merchandising team, which drove innovative test & learn initiatives which delivered strong growth in terms of revenue, exposure, and share of voice across all partner channels. Recognized by our partners for our ideas, and innovation. Through close partner team oriented approach we negotiated and integrated many of these into the global digital platforms. These did not only enhance the end-user experience, but drove meaningful revenue growth. Created several executive presentations for C-Suite meetings, delivering them personally on multiple occasions. Served as a member of the EA International board.

International strategic account management and partnership development. Successfully managed Gamestop and Amazon accounts within the specialist group, driving growth and profitability. Organised and supervised quarterly sales alignment meetings for all the International sales. These meetings facilitated strategy alignment, best practice sharing, and regional collaboration, enhancing overall sales performance. Managed relationships with major brands like Adidas, Monster, and Vision, fostering successful collaborations. Managed EA's partnerships with 3rd Party PC digital distributors, driving substantial growth and optimisation in this key area. Expanded of EA's third-party payment providers network, achieving global coverage. Played a vital role in shaping EA's retail and digital strategy, actively influencing the company's direction in these domains. Additionally, led successful change management programs, fostering positive transformation and boosting organisational efficiency. Led optimisation initiatives across the organisation, primarily targeting cost efficiency and improving reporting quality. Commercial lead for the Star Wars MMO, a significant EA venture in the MMO space, I led the commercial efforts for the game's launch and live service.

General management, accountability for P & L , and the company's business plans, management of two head offices, two warehouses, and a retail chain of 100 retail stores employing over 350 employees in Northern & Central Europe. Successfully acquired and integrated two companies, JRC Czech, and Spiderman Norway. Developed of a high-performing working culture, cultivating a culture of excellence and collaboration Led the creation of digital e-commerce platform, bolstering the company's online presence. Played a pivotal role in shaping, and executing the future digital and retail strategies of GAME Group. Initiated an innovative on-demand merchandising retail program, working closely with suppliers to rapidly execute full in-store merchandising takeovers in record time. Introduced company conferences to present market, strategy updates and offer extensive staff training focusing on cost saving, shrinkage prevention and improving the P&L of every individual retail store. Honored by industry peers with prestigious awards, including being voted twice as one of the most influential figures in the Nordic Gaming Industry and twice awarded the title of the best Swedish entertainment retailer.

General management, accountability for P & L , and the company's business plans, management of its head office, warehouse, a retail chain of 9 stores, and its 60 employees. During my tenure we grew our top revenue line by 400%. Led a rebranding program in partnership with the Marketing director, as well as multiple innovative, and unique marketing programs. Led an expansion plan that saw the retail expand into a chain of 9 locations. Built a e-commerce presence for the retailer. Secured the distribution, and reselling rights for key tech, and entertainment brands such as Compaq, Fujitsu, Thomson, and Electronic Arts.

Graduated with Honors (Cum Laude). Completed four year studies in roughly two years.