This is the full text of Fnatic's 02/05/2018 press release.

FNATIC, one of the world’s leading global esports brands, today announces that Nick Fry, the former CEO of the Mercedes AMG Formula One Team and founder of advisory firm Stonehaven Partners will provide strategic, advisory input as Head of Commercial Strategy. Fry’s advisory appointment comes hot on the heels of FNATIC being shortlisted in the prestigious European Sponsorship Awards in the ‘Rights Holder of the Year’ category, taking place on February 7th 2018 in London.

In this new role as a commercial and strategic advisor, Fry and Stonehaven will help FNATIC into the next phase of its growth which will expand upon the esports giant’s global footprint. FNATIC leads the way when it comes to offering global brands a pathway into the huge opportunities esports now offers. With Fry’s’ wealth of experience in performance management, media rights and as a global rights holder, FNATIC will look to further innovate its partnership proposition for brands, already being recognised as one of the leading right holders in sports and entertainment. .

Fry’s career in the automotive industry began with the Ford Motor Company in 1977, where he spent over 12 years in Product Development. In 2002, he was appointed Managing Director of BAR F1 in addition to his Prodrive responsibilities. Fry, 61, was involved in Formula One for 11 years, most recently as CEO of Mercedes, and is best known for his work alongside Ross Brawn, particularly when Jenson Button won the 2009 world title for Brawn GP. Fry left Mercedes in 2013.

“Having someone of Nick’s experience and stature is of significant value for FNATIC and esports as a whole” said Wouter Sleijffers, CEO of Fnatic. “When it comes to esports, we’re in the forefront in terms of innovation and delivering value for the brands, leagues and partners we work with. Now is the time to build on the momentum we’ve created - Nick has experience that will aid us in doing exactly that.”

“I’m incredibly excited to be joining such a forward-thinking company like FNATIC. As it stands, FNATIC is widely recognised among the biggest brand holders in sports, music and entertainment, and my role is to not only strengthen that position but also build on it. With esports in 2017 drawing 258 million unique viewers globally last year, the world’s biggest brands have started to take notice and want to be part of the action. FNATIC is leading the way for non-endemic and global brands to create a route towards the opportunities that esports is presenting,” added Fry.

The ESA Awards take place on February 7th 2018 at the Science Museum, London.

For more information about FNATIC, visit www.fnatic.com.