Arcade, the creator management firm best known for representing YouTube powerhouse The Sidemen, is entering a new chapter. Former Vice Media EMEA chief Matt Elek has been named CEO, taking over day-to-day leadership as co-founder Jordan Schwarzenberger steps back from the top operational role.
The appointment is a notable move in the creator economy, where talent management companies are increasingly operating like full-scale media businesses. For Arcade, bringing in an executive with Elek’s background signals a push to scale beyond traditional influencer representation and further professionalize the business around digital-first talent.
Matt Elek Joins Arcade as CEO
Elek arrives at Arcade after leading Vice Media across EMEA, a role that placed him at the center of youth media, branded content, and international expansion. That experience lines up closely with Arcade’s world: creator-led entertainment, audience development, partnerships, and monetization across platforms.
While Arcade is closely associated with The Sidemen, its work sits inside a much broader shift. The biggest creators are no longer just posting videos; they are building brands, launching products, producing events, and striking major commercial deals. A CEO with legacy media and digital media experience can help turn that momentum into a more structured business model.
Jordan Schwarzenberger Steps Back From Day-to-Day Arcade Leadership
Schwarzenberger, who co-founded Arcade and formally took on the CEO title earlier this year, is stepping away from the daily running of the company. The move does not erase his influence on the business. Instead, it appears to mark a shift in responsibilities as Arcade brings in a new executive lead for its next phase.
Schwarzenberger has been one of the more visible names connected to the rise of creator-led companies in the UK. His work has helped position Arcade as a serious player in talent management at a time when creators are competing not only with each other, but with studios, streamers, and major entertainment brands.
Why Arcade’s CEO Change Matters for The Sidemen and the Creator Economy
The Sidemen remain one of the UK’s most successful creator collectives, with a massive audience spanning YouTube, social media, merchandise, food, live events, and entertainment formats. Any leadership change at a company tied to their management operation naturally attracts attention across the wider digital entertainment industry.
Arcade’s decision to appoint Matt Elek suggests the company is thinking about long-term scale. Creator management is no longer just about negotiating brand deals or scheduling content. It now involves intellectual property, global distribution, retail partnerships, production infrastructure, and audience strategy across multiple platforms.
That is where Elek’s experience could prove valuable. Vice became known for building a youth-focused media brand with a global footprint, and Arcade is operating in a market where younger audiences increasingly spend more time with creators than with traditional TV personalities.
Arcade Looks to Grow as Creator Businesses Become Media Companies
The timing of the appointment is important. The creator economy is maturing quickly, and top-tier digital talent now expects the same level of strategic support as actors, musicians, athletes, and production companies. Management firms that can combine talent strategy with media operations are likely to be better placed as the sector becomes more competitive.
For Arcade, the leadership change is less about one executive leaving the spotlight and more about what comes next. With Matt Elek as CEO and Schwarzenberger moving away from daily management, the company appears to be setting itself up for a more ambitious phase in creator-led entertainment.
Expect the industry to watch closely. When a firm connected to The Sidemen changes leadership, it is rarely just an internal reshuffle. It is a sign of how big the business of creators has become.
Tags: #TheSidemen #CreatorEconomy #ArcadeManagement #MattElek #DigitalMedia
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