The CEO of Blue Star Capital, an investor focused on blockchain and media technologies, has stepped down.
The company registered in Crawley, West Sussex said Derek Lew will focus on his other directorships.
Former CEO Tony Fabrizi will rejoin the board of Blue Star as executive chairman.
Blue Star’s portfolio of 11 companies includes blockchain-based digital payments firm SatoshiPay and Guild Esports, co-owned by former Manchester United and England star David Beckham.
“It has been a pleasure to be involved with Blue Star and, in particular, with the development of its eSports portfolio and the SatoshiPay investment,” said Lew.
“Tony’s detailed knowledge of the company and its assets means he is ideally placed to recognise, build and return value to shareholders and I am pleased to welcome Tony back to the board.”
Fabrizi qualified as a chartered accountant with KPMG before working in corporate finance at HSBC Investment Bank. He later established Ghaliston Limited as a corporate finance advisory business.
Ghaliston acquired Merchant Securities Limited, a private client stockbroking business and the enlarged company listed on AIM in November 2006. Fabrizi resigned as CEO of that company in June 2008.
Over the last decade he has advised a number of private companies as well as taking on the role of CEO Of Blue Star in July 2012 until his resignation in February 2021.
In the interim period, he has been heavily involved in Fruitlab Media, a gaming business with its own token, the PIP.
“I am delighted to be involved again with Blue Star,” said Fabrizi. “The current portfolio includes some exciting businesses and the next 12 months should see significant progress.
“The board is grateful for Derek’s contribution and support since his appointment in 2019 and wishes him well in the future.”