Animoca names former Tencent insurance arm head as chief business officer

Update (July 21, 2022 – 21:00 pm SGT): This article was updated to include other key appointments at Animoca Brands.

Blockchain gaming unicorn Animoca Brands has picked Alan Lau, former executive chairman of Tencent’s insurance arm WeSure, as its chief business officer.

Animoca Brands chief business officer Alan Lau / Photo credit WeSure

Lau developed Tencent’s insurance business, overseeing the vertical’s beginnings such as hiring its initial team, obtaining licenses, defining its strategy, and running daily operations. Before joining Tencent, he held positions at McKinsey and Citibank.

At Animoca Brands, Lau will be responsible for overseeing the firm’s portfolio and leading business development and M&A efforts.

Animoca has also announced the appointment of Minh Do as co-chief operating officer, Joanne Chan as deputy chief financial officer, and Benny Ho as head of business development.

Brian Chan has been appointed as vice president of operations and projects, while Kenneth Shek is the new director of project management.

Earlier this month, Animoca Brands raised US$75.3 million from Liberty City Ventures, Kingsway Capital, and Alpha Wave Ventures, among others. The deal reportedly pushed the blockchain gaming unicorn’s valuation to US$5.9 billion.

The firm said that it plans to use the funds for acquisitions and investments as well as to secure licenses for intellectual property, develop more products, and expand its foray into the metaverse.

See also: Animoca’s meteoric rise from zombie to $5 billion Web3 empire