Dave & Buster's Entertainment, Inc. (NASDAQ: PLAY) announced a leadership transition effective August 3, 2026. CEO Tarun Lal has retired to spend more time with family, and the Board of Directors has appointed Chief Financial Officer Darin Harper as his successor. Mr. Lal will remain with the company as an advisor through January 2028. Consequently, Cory Hatton has been appointed as interim CFO.
Key Details
- New CEO Appointment: Darin Harper, formerly the company's CFO since June 2024, was appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer, effective August 3, 2026.
- New CEO Compensation: Mr. Harper's employment agreement includes a $650,000 base salary, a target bonus of 100% of salary, and a one-time equity grant valued at $6.5 million.
- Outgoing CEO Transition: Retiring CEO Tarun Lal will serve as a company advisor, receiving a monthly consulting fee of $85,833.33 through January 31, 2028.
- Interim CFO: Cory Hatton, the company's Head of Entertainment Finance, was appointed interim CFO while a search for a permanent replacement is conducted.