FaZe Clan Chief Strategy Officer Kai Henry Resigns
FaZe Clan Chief Strategy Officer Kai Henry Resigns
New SEC filing notes he left his chief strategy officer 'voluntarily.'
High-profile FaZe Clan executive Kai Henry has resigned from his post as chief strategy officer, effective immediately. The news came via a Form 8-K filing with the U.S. Securities & Exchange Commission (SEC) filed by FaZe Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ: FAZE) on Nov. 8.
"On November 8, 2022 (the “Resignation Date”), Kai Henry voluntarily resigned from his role as the Chief Strategy Officer of FaZe Holdings Inc.," the form reads (the 'Company'), effective immediately," the filing reads. "Mr. Henry is not entitled to any severance or other compensation from the Company under his executive employment agreement in connection with his resignation."
According to a FaZe Clan rep., Henry’s exit from the company was amicable one. They shared an excerpt from a company-wide email from FaZe CEO Lee Trink, in which he indicated that they would continue to work together on future projects:
“The decision was mutual and amicable. We're excited for Kai to embark on his next chapter and look forward to continuing our work together—we are close to finalizing how we collaborate going forward."
Henry joined FaZe Clan in May of 2021 to take on the role—prior to that he produced and directed music videos for major artists such as Justin Timberlake, Chris Brown, Lil Wayne, Fabolous, and Hollywood Undead, among others. Later he moved into the music management business, representing such stars as Snoop Dogg, Ice Cube, and David Banner. Kai also worked with many prominent artists on their albums including Quincy Jones, Korn, Backstreet Boys, and Chris Cornell. He also co-founded Skee.TV, a lifestyle Youtube company.
In a statement posted on social media on Nov. 11, Henry seems to indicate that there was a difference of opinion on approach and representation in the work he was doing:
"My time at Faze Clan has come to an end. I'm stepping down as Chief Strategy Officer. In the past 2+ years I've forged lifelong relationships with some of the most magnetic and brilliant people I've ever met, for that I am eternally grateful and honored.
The mission has never been about money or clout for me. It's about my belief system, it's about empowering the creators/creatives who dictate culture to have a voice and a seat at a table that they have been historically excluded from. I will always put community and those aligned with above anything else.
I plan to continue on my life path to pursue the balance of culture and commerce through my own leadership and vision. “
The Fudge Retort reached out to FaZe Clan for further details on Henry's departure but the company did not respond to a request for comment at the time of writing.
Editor’s note: This story was updated with Kai Henry’s public statement and with a comments from CEO Lee Trink provided by FaZe Clan.