Indian American Dylan Jadeja Named CEO of Riot Games, the Studio Behind Popular Video Games
- He first joined the Los Angeles-based company in 2011 as CFO and was appointed COO in 2014.
Riot Games, a video game developer, publisher, and esports tournament organizer has appointed A. Dylan Jadeja as its new CEO, the company has announced. The Los Angeles, California-based company has developed popular video games like “League of Legends, “Valorant,” and “Teamfight Tactics” among others.
Jadeja will succeed current CEO Nicolo Laurent, the company said in a May 11 press release, adding that the CEO transition “will take place over the coming months and should be completed by the end of 2023, after which Laurent will stay with Riot in an advisory role.”
Jadeja first joined Riot in 2011 as Chief Financial Officer and added Chief Operating Officer to his role in 2014. “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.
In a statement, Jadeja said “the authenticity of our mission, the enthusiasm of the global player community, and the passion in every corner of the company” drew him to the company. “I’ve had the privilege of working alongside some of the smartest and most creative minds in the industry here at Riot and am honored to have the opportunity to lead this incredible team.”
In a letter written to Riot employees or Rioters on May 11, the Ontario, Canada-raised Jadeja called the company his home; “a home I’m deeply invested in, fiercely protective of, and grateful for every single day.” He said he feels “fortunate every day to work with some of the smartest and most passionate people I’ve ever worked with — people who have taught me not only what it means to be a player but to sincerely care for a mission that’s bigger than any of us. This passion and deep care for players is not something that I will ever take for granted.”
Before entering the world of gaming, Jadeja was co-head of West Coast Consumer Retail Coverage for Goldman Sachs. Before Goldman, he began his career with Kearney Management Consulting.
He received his undergraduate degree from the University of Western Ontario Richard Ivey School of Business and an MBA from Harvard Business School, where he was named a George F. Baker Scholar and a 2004 Siebel Scholar. He 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.