Naz Aletaha, the head of League of Legends Esports, has announced her departure from Riot Games in the coming months. Aletaha shared this news through a heartfelt post on her X and Twitter profiles following her return from a sabbatical she took back in February. She will be succeeded by Chris Greeley, the former LCS commissioner, as the new Global Head of League of Legends Esports.
Naz Aletaha’s Legacy at Riot
Aletaha began her journey with Riot Games in 2012 as a senior manager of B2B payments, bringing with her experience from notable companies like Sony Pictures Entertainment and Activision. Over the years, she climbed the ranks within the company, eventually leading to her appointment as the Global Head of LoL Esports in 2021. Aletaha played a pivotal role in shaping the vision, strategy, and roadmap for LoL Esports, elevating it to new heights with regional leagues and marquee events like the League of Legends World Championship and the Mid-Season Invitational.
During her tenure, Aletaha forged key partnerships with renowned brands such as Louis Vuitton, Red Bull, State Farm, and Mastercard, helping propel esports from a niche interest to a mainstream global phenomenon that continues to grow.
Aletaha expressed her gratitude for her time at Riot Games and her decision to explore new opportunities in her career in a recent statement. She highlighted the incredible journey Riot Games has embarked on in the realm of sports and entertainment and the community’s pivotal role in championing competitive gaming as a professional sport.
In reflecting on my recent sabbatical, I’ve decided to embark on a new chapter in my professional journey and will be bidding farewell to Riot Games by fall. The past 12.5 years at Riot have been nothing short of remarkable, and I am immensely proud of our collective achievements in the realm of esports. Immersing myself in the #esports community and contributing to the evolution of competitive gaming into a professional sport has been an unparalleled honor.
The milestones we’ve reached together are immeasurable. From iconic venues like Madison Square Garden to the Bird’s Nest to Chase Center, LoL Esports has captivated audiences worldwide, breaking viewership records time and time again. Our pro players have ascended to legendary status, garnering acclaim both within and beyond our industry. We’ve welcomed esteemed brands like Mastercard, Mercedes-Benz, Coca-Cola, Louis Vuitton, Red Bull, Tiffany & Co., and many others into the LoL Esports family, each bringing a level of excellence, care, and dedication to the sport that mirrors traditional sports.
Furthermore, we’ve had the privilege of hosting music celebrities such as Lil Nas X, New Jeans, Imagine Dragons, Jackson Wang, Zedd, and others on our stage to celebrate the best of the sport over the years. The countless firsts, breathtaking moments, and enduring memories are testaments to the profound impact our community has had on the esports landscape. The transition from skepticism to acclaim, culminating in multiple Sports Emmys, underscores the strength of our community and the unwavering dedication of our team.
I am immensely grateful to Riot for affording me the opportunities to shape the business behind the sport and subsequently lead it to new heights. To my fellow Rioters, who have been my inspiration for over a decade, I extend my sincerest gratitude. While bidding farewell to Riot is tinged with sadness, I am eager for the challenges that lie ahead and look forward to what the future holds. I will remain with the company for the next few months to facilitate a seamless transition before embarking on a new chapter in my career.
To all those who have made this journey unforgettable — Rioters, fans, partners, team organizations, players, talent, streamers, media, content creators, friends, and family — I extend my heartfelt thanks. It has truly been a journey of a lifetime. Here’s to the next chapter.
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