Dylan Jadeja named as Riot Games’ next CEO

Indian American executive has been a “key leader in Riot’s exponential growth and global expansion over the years”

India American A. Dylan Jadeja is set to become the new CEO of Riot Games, the developer behind smash-hit video games like ‘League of Legends,’ ‘Valorant’ and ‘Teamfight Tactics.’

Current global president Jadeja will succeed Nicolo Laurent later this year as Laurent moves into an advisor role, Los Angeles, California-based company announced.

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Jadeja first joined Riot in 2011 as Chief Financial Officer and added Chief Operating Officer to his role in 2014. Three years later, he was named President of Riot and in 2022 assumed leadership of Riot’s Executive Suite and Enterprise efforts.

“When our founders transitioned to co-chair roles in 2017, Dylan was named President of Riot and has been one of the key leaders in crafting Riot’s strategy and driving our culture forward,” the company said.

The CEO transition from Nicolo to Dylan will take place over the coming months and should be completed by the end of 2023, after which Nicolo will stay with Riot in an advisory role.

“We talk a lot about staying hungry and humble, and on a day like today, I must admit that ‘humble’ does not sufficiently capture how fortunate I feel,” wrote Jadeja in an email to Rioters.

“I think we have all had the experience of being astounded by the talent surrounding us at Riot, but to be asked to lead this incredible group of people is a special honor and not something that I take lightly. I will do my best to make you proud.”

“Today, as we start our next chapter, I’m more excited than I’ve ever been about our future,” he wrote. “I truly believe that our success will depend on our ability to empower our creative heart while staying resolute on our mission for players, no matter how difficult the environment or the situation.”

Read: Indian American Neal Mohan named CEO of YouTube (February 17, 2023)

“As we face new challenges and opportunities, if we can stay true to this, I would bet on us to not only succeed, but to set a new bar for what’s possible for players,” he wrote.

“As CEO, it is fair to assume that I may do some things differently than those before me, but I want to assure you that the goal for us — together — will not waver. And that is to make Riot, unequivocally, the most trusted and authentic game company in the world… built by players, for players,” Jadeja wrote.

“The kind of place where people know that everything they play and experience from Riot will be amazing and that everything we do is focused on making it better to be a player.”

A key leader in Riot’s exponential growth and global expansion over the years, Jadeja has been a member of the senior executive team at Riot Games for more than a decade, according to his company profile.

As President, Jadeja oversees Riot’s global corporate strategy and development, venture investments, legal, finance and accounting, enterprise technology and security, human resources, corporate affairs, real estate and other key operational functions.

A longtime advocate for social impact and diversity & inclusion, he also spearheaded and oversees Riot’s $10 million commitment to investments in underrepresented founders in the gaming industry.

During his tenure in this role, he has architected numerous strategic investments for Riot, including the acquisitions of Hypixel Studios and Radiant Entertainment. In addition, Jadeja led the company’s 2015 equity sale to Tencent Holdings, Ltd.

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Before hanging up his suit and tie to enter the world of gaming, Dylan was co-head of West Coast Consumer Retail Coverage for Goldman Sachs.

His work with Goldman focused on financial transactions for Fortune 500 and mid-market companies, including mergers and acquisitions diligence, equity offerings, shareholder activism-related consulting, and recapitalization/restructuring analysis.

While there, Jadeja led highly successful transactions including Lululemon’s 2007 IPO and the 2010 sale of retailer Gymboree. Prior to Goldman, he began his career with Kearney Management Consulting.

Jadeja received his undergraduate degree from the University of Western Ontario Richard Ivey School of Business and holds an MBA from Harvard Business School, where he was named a George F. Baker Scholar and was a 2004 Siebel Scholar.

Jadeja is an advisor to several companies in tech and consumer products and is on the Boards of the Los Angeles Food Bank and Intentional Sports.

A native of India, he was raised in Ontario, Canada, where he developed his incorrigible addiction to ice hockey and the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Read: Indian-origin Dylan Jadeja named next CEO of Riot Games (May 13, 2023)

“I’ve had the privilege of working with Dylan for years, and I’ve learned so much from him. He’s a natural leader who will do everything in his power to unlock our creative talent to do their best work,” Laurent stated.

“One of his biggest strengths? Empathy. The best leaders for the future will be the ones who can lead at scale, with empathy, and Dylan is one of them. He’s genuine and humble in his leadership, but also unafraid to ask the tough questions to get to the best answer.

“But most importantly, Dylan has a strong passion for Riot’s culture and DNA. He appreciates what makes Riot special — great Rioters and great teams, who love players, and love games — and will make sure we keep evolving to always be the best version of Riot we can be.”

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