Cambridge-based video game developer Frontier Developments has announced a change in leadership. Jonny Watts, who has been with the company for 27 years and became chief executive in August 2022, will step down from the role for personal reasons. Watts has overseen a company turnaround, refocusing Frontier on creative management simulation (CMS) games such as Planet Coaster and Jurassic World Evolution, while steering the business through significant operational and strategic developments.
Jo Cooke, currently Frontier’s chief marketing officer, will succeed Watts as chief executive from 1 January 2026. Cooke brings extensive experience in senior publishing roles across the games industry, including positions at Maxis, Curve Digital, and Bastion, and previously worked at Frontier between 2014 and 2017. Watts will remain on the board until 31 May 2026 to ensure a smooth transition.
Cooke said: “The CMS-focused strategy that Jonny has established enticed me to rejoin Frontier last summer as chief marketing officer, and I am thrilled to now be stepping up to chief executive. Jonny will be greatly missed, but I am confident that we will be successful in continuing to deliver on this strategy, listening to our players and making new games that will continue to entertain and engage for years to come.”
Watts added: “It’s been a privilege to contribute to the amazing games Frontier has developed throughout my 27 years. During my tenure as chief executive, I am pleased that we have turned the business around to focus back on our key strengths. The time is now right for me to step down as chief executive, and I am confident in passing the baton to Jo. I would like to thank everyone who has supported me over the years, including the people at Frontier, our partners, and, of course, our players.”
Founded in January 1994 by David Braben and based at Cambridge Science Park, Frontier Developments has developed and published a range of popular titles, including the Elite series, Planet Coaster, Planet Zoo, and Jurassic World Evolution. The company also expanded into third-party publishing under its Frontier Foundry label between 2019 and 2022, though recent financial reviews led Frontier to refocus exclusively on internal CMS projects. Frontier is listed on the AIM segment of the London Stock Exchange and continues to operate globally, with notable titles like Elite: Dangerous and the upcoming F1 Manager games.
Ilse Howling, chair of Frontier, said: “It’s been a great pleasure working with Jonny, and I am full of admiration for him for achieving our strategic reset to CMS and putting players back at the heart of what we do. Jo’s extensive games industry experience and player-centric outlook mean she is excellently placed to drive the company’s future growth, and to harness our genre-leading games and global IP to delight millions of players around the world.”
David Braben, president and founder of Frontier, added: “I’d like to extend a massive thank you to Jonny for his amazing contribution to Frontier over so many years. I am delighted to see Jo step up into her new role, and I think she is perfect to take Frontier forward for the future. I am very sad to see Jonny go and wish him all the best for the future.”
Frontier plans to release its interim financial results for the six months ending 30 November 2025, along with an update on trading, on 14 January 2026.
