Naz Aletaha steps up as Riot Games’ new Global Head of LoL Esports

Riot Games announced that Naz Aletaha will serve as the developer’s new Global Head of League of Legends Esports, effective immediately. Aletaha previously served as Riot Games’ Head of Global Esports Partnerships and Business Development and will continue to do so until a replacement is found.

In her new role, Aletaha will be responsible for spearheading the competitive, creative and strategic future of the LoL esports landscape. She will oversee all 12 major regional leagues as well as LoL’s three yearly international events: the Worlds Championship, the Mid-Season Invitational and the All-Star Event. 

Riot Games Global Head of Esports, John Needham, praised Aletaha’s qualifications and suitability for the position in a press release provided to Upcomer.

“Naz’s impact at Riot Games has been impressive for a decade, with eight of those years driving the esports business development efforts as a member of our leadership team,” said Needham. “Her tireless efforts, business acumen, and passion for our game, fans, partners, and players makes her the perfect fit to lead us into the next decade of LoL Esports.”

Prior experience

Naz Aletaha’s efforts in her previous position as Head of Global Esports Partnerships and Business Development played a crucial part in executing some of Riot Games’ most ambitious partnerships. These included pairings with Louis Vuitton, Mastercard, Verizon, Mercedes-Benz, Bose, Unilever, Red Bull, Spotify, YouTube, Twitch, Cisco, Amazon, Coca-Cola and State Farm. She enters her new role with a wealth of experience from working with companies like Sony Motion Pictures and Activision Blizzard too. In 2019, Adweek’s editorial staff recognized her track record of groundbreaking work in esports on the publication’s annual Young Influentials list. She shared this honor with the likes of Zendaya, Lil Nas X, Lizzo and other notable past recipients. 

This news comes right after the beginning of the 2021 League of Legends Worlds Championship. Things kicked off at 7 a.m. ET on Oct. 5 with a match between LNG Esports and Hanwha Life Esports, in the play-in stage. You can find out more on how to watch the event here. For everything else, check out Upcomer’s Worlds Championship hub.