21st January 2020. Sheffield, UK. Sumo Group plc, the provider of award-winning creative and development services to the video games and entertainment industries today underlined its commitment to training and education with the appointments of Jenny Muhlwa as Learning & Development Manager and Dr Jake Habgood as Director of Education Partnerships.
Muhlwa’s expertise will enhance and increase internal training across Sumo Digital, Atomhawk, Red Kite Games and The Chinese Room while Dr Habgood will build closer external relationships with educational partners to strengthen Sumo’s talent pipeline.
Paul Porter, COO of Sumo Group said:
“Embracing a Learning and Development Culture at Sumo is something that we’re passionate about and we’re supporting that with these appointments. In addition to encouraging the personal growth of our staff, we have a strong desire to inspire and attract the next generation of video game development talent and provide them with every opportunity to build a lifelong career in games. I’m delighted to welcome both Jenny and Jake on board to expand our initiatives in these areas.”
Jenny Muhlwa, Learning and Development Manager said:
“I’m delighted to work for a company that’s so ready to embrace a learning culture; Sumo has already committed to 5 days of paid personal development time for every employee. I’m looking forward to seeing how that and other exciting programs take shape, enabling our diverse talent to reach their career goals.”
Jenny Muhlwa brings over a decade of experience in staff development from well-known brands including Wilko and Unipart.
Dr Jake Habgood said:
“I’m thrilled to bring my expertise and passion for learning to such an exciting and ground-breaking industry role. It’s a great privilege to be able to work alongside so many talented colleagues and former students again, and I look forward to contributing to the continued success of the Sumo Group.”
Dr Jake Habgood re-joins Sumo following 10 years at Sheffield Hallam University. During his time at SHU he taught on their award-winning Games Software Development degrees and founded Steel Minions game studio which provided work-based simulation for students. He is a member of the educational advisory groups for PlayStation First, TIGA and the BGI.
About Sumo Group - www.sumogroupplc.com
Sumo Group's businesses provide acclaimed development and design services to the video games and entertainment industries from studios in the UK, India, and Canada.
Sumo Digital, as the group's primary business, is one of the UK's largest independent developers of AAA-rated video games, having studios in Sheffield, Newcastle, Nottingham, Brighton, Leeds, Leamington Spa, Warrington and Pune, India. The business has acquired two studios since IPO, which operate under their own names, BAFTA award-winning The Chinese Room and Red Kite Games. Sumo Digital provides turnkey and co-development solutions to a global blue-chip client base.
Atomhawk is a multi-award-winning visual design company, with studios in Newcastle and in Vancouver (Canada), servicing the games, film and visual effects industries.
Together, the Group delivers full-spectrum visual and development solutions, which include initial visual concepts, conceiving new products and game development involving all aspects of pre-production, production & development, as well as supporting games as a service.