VGW Founder Laurence Escalante Steps Down Amid Scandal

Laurence Escalante has resigned as chief executive and executive chairman of Virtual Gaming Worlds, ending his formal role at the company he built after months away from the business.

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VGW confirmed on 3 July that his departure took effect immediately. Escalante, who had been on leave since January, will now focus on personal matters, private business interests, investing, and philanthropy.

Mats Johnson, who stepped in as acting chief executive earlier this year, will remain in the role while VGW conducts a global search for a permanent replacement. 

Johnson will continue working with the existing leadership team to guide the company. In a statement, he thanked Escalante for his contributions, stating, “We thank Laurence for these and many other achievements and contributions at VGW, and for the confidence he is showing in us – and all our 1,300 team members – to continue VGW’s successes in the future.”

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The leave began after Western Australia Police filed charges against him, which VGW described as personal and unrelated to its operations. 

Escalante faces allegations of family violence, burglary and drug possession in Perth. He has not entered pleas but previously said the claims were false and would be defended. The case is scheduled to return to Perth Magistrates Court in August. 

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Source: NEXT.io