Deep Disappointment with a once-cherished Company - Data Scientist ESL FACEIT GROUP Employee Review

My journey with the company began before the merger when FACEIT still had a dynamic startup vibe. However, the merger between ESL and FACEIT in 2022, following the acquisition by a Saudi fund, kicked off a wave of major changes within the company. This shift resulted in a much larger team and increased investment. Unfortunately, it also led to dramatic changes — most of which negatively impacted the organisational culture and operational efficiency. Such expansion brought about an unpleasant corporate atmosphere, the introduction of overly bloated management layers, and a round of layoffs (which was clearly a direct consequence of unrealistic promises not being fulfilled). Although some might expect such changes after this kind of growth, the way these changes were carried out truly revealed the company's and its management's shortcomings. These were handled in ways that often seemed to disregard the company's original values and the well-being of its employees. EFG's atmosphere has drastically deteriorated, marked by internal dramas across multiple departments and a complete lack of transparency regarding significant changes in teams, projects, and personnel. This resembles the cutthroat environment of major financial institutions but within an immature company under heavy pressure from Saudi investors. My decision to depart from EFG was heavily influenced by the actions of the C-level and managerial leadership within the Data team. There were multiple instances where their communication lacked transparency on crucial matters and displayed a lack of respect towards me and my colleagues. Despite their assertions of valuing employee well-being, their actions suggested the complete opposite, constantly revealing a disconnect between words and deeds. Management decisions across multiple departments now often prioritise short-term goals over addressing long-standing product issues and employee concerns. This suggests a focus on meeting external expectations rather than fostering sustainable internal development. Despite the presence of some well-meaning managers, they are now outnumbered and largely ineffective. An excessive number of high-level hires (C-levels, VPs, Directors) have led to an unnecessarily complex and inefficient management structure. When considering the company's culture, a notable incident stands out: a group of former employees were asked to leave the London office during a farewell visit to their colleagues, a decision made by a high-ranking executive. This action reflects a disregard for the value of past employee relationships and contributions, indicating a significant shift in the company's values. Furthermore, there are huge question marks over the company's roadmap and strategy and where it is heading in the future. Projects are becoming more obscure, and the new team structure significantly hampers regular employees' ability to effect meaningful changes to the product. It's disappointing that I must rate EFG at only 1 star, but any positives are heavily overshadowed by the negatives. While the remote work policy and decent compensation may seem attractive, I recommend careful consideration before joining EFG for those prioritising mental health and meaningful career growth.