SCi Entertainment, the computer games maker behind Lara Croft's Tomb Raider, has recruited its new finance director from its broker, KBC Peel Hunt.

Robert Brent, currently head of research at KBC Peel Hunt, will replace Malcolm Dunne, SCi's interim finance director, who stepped into the breach after a board room cull in January when Tim Ryan took the helm as chairman.

At the time, Jane Cavanagh, SCi's chief executive, Bill Ennis, her partner who is also managing director of the company's publishing division, and Rob Murray, managing director, studios, left “with immediate effect”.

SCi's former finance director, Phil Rogers, was promoted to chief executive.

Mr Brent worked closely with Mr Ryan on restructuring the business while at KBC Peel Hunt after a series of disastrous games launch delays and a rescue equity issue.

Mr Ryan said: "Robert brings extensive knowledge of SCi through his 5 years of researching and analysing our business and the video gaming sector as a whole.

"In addition, he has worked very closely with the new management team on the current re-structuring programme and communication of the new business strategy.

He added: "Combine this knowledge with his extensive management and capital markets expertise, and we have a new CFO who will be a significant asset to the group with the ability to deliver the financial leadership needed during the important next stages of implementing our new business strategy."

Yesterday, Infogrames Entertainment, French games maker, withdrew its bid offer after the completion of SCi's share placing.

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