Talent Collectives

Sidemen Management Firm Arcade Names Ex-Vice EMEA Chief Matt Elek As CEO

Published on July 7, 2026

Arcade, the London-based creator management and ventures company that represents British YouTube collective The Sidemen, has named former Vice Media EMEA boss Matt Elek as CEO, per Deadline. Co-founder Jordan Schwarzenberger, who had held the CEO title since a restructure earlier this year, is stepping away from day-to-day operations.

Elek already sits on Arcade’s board and will work closely with Schwarzenberger going forward. He takes over business operations and day-to-day management, while Schwarzenberger continues to lead business strategy, client development and growth opportunities alongside co-founder Sam Uwins.

“As Sam and I looked at the immense growth trajectory of the business, we knew that we needed someone with elite experience to help guide us through,” Schwarzenberger said. “As a founder, I believe in replacing yourself with the best talent when the time is right, and we are deeply grateful that Matt has agreed to join us as CEO.”

Elek has worked in media management for more than two decades, joining Vice’s EMEA business in 2002 and becoming CEO of its EMEA operation in 2009, a post he held for a decade. He was most recently chief commercial officer at Lumina, the talent, production, and media investments company launched by Thomas Benski, whose Pulse Films business was acquired by Vice.

Lumina made a seven-figure investment for a minority stake in Arcade last September, a deal that came with a pledge of capital and strategic expertise to help Arcade expand across EMEA. Elek’s appointment follows that investment.

“It’s a hugely exciting moment to be joining Arcade as CEO,” Elek said. “After spending the last nine months on Arcade’s board, I’m in the privileged position of being deeply embedded in the company already, which continues to go from strength to strength as a unique, rapidly expanding player in creator-led media.”

The leadership change comes just over a month after The Sidemen lost KSI, its most popular member, who announced he was leaving the group after 13 years.

Arcade’s restructure earlier this year, which put Schwarzenberger in the CEO role, also saw co-founder Sam Uwins become COO and former News UK executive Connor Suckling become head of original video. The Sidemen have a combined 140 million YouTube subscribers and have been making videos together for more than 10 years.