John Needham serves as President, Publishing & Esports at Riot Games, where he leads strategic initiatives in the gaming and esports verticals. With extensive experience spanning over two decades, Needham has held leadership roles at top-tier companies including Microsoft, Gazillion Entertainment, and Cryptic Studios. His expertise encompasses global esports operations, publishing strategies, and studio management, having overseen regions across Europe and North America. Needham has been instrumental in driving growth and innovation in competitive gaming, with a proven track record of building and leading high-performing teams. His LinkedIn profile offers further insights into his professional journey and industry contributions.
Industry directory
John Needham
President, Publishing & Esports
Riot Games
About
The profile lists 17 positions since 1992. John Needham has worked at Riot Games since 2017. Previously: Consultant at Linden Lab (2016–2017), Partner – GM US Studios / Studio Head – Lionhead, Head of European Publishing at Microsoft (2013–2016), Board Member at PlayMesh, Inc. (2012–2014), CEO at Gazillion Entertainment (2011–2012) and 6 other companies.
Industries: Esports and Gaming.
Experience
President, Publishing and Esports
Riot Games
08.2024 - present
President, Esports
Riot Games
10.2021 - 08.2024
Global Head of Esports
Riot Games
01.2020 - 10.2021
Global Head of League of Legends Esports
Riot Games
06.2019 - 01.2020
Managing Director of Europe and North America
Riot Games
11.2018 - 06.2019
Managing Director of Europe
Riot Games
06.2017 - 11.2018
Consultant
Linden Lab
11.2016 - 03.2017
Partner – GM US Studios
Microsoft
04.2015 - 09.2016
Studio Head – Lionhead, Head of European Publishing
Microsoft
04.2013 - 04.2015
Board Member
PlayMesh, Inc.
09.2012 - 09.2014
CEO
Gazillion Entertainment
03.2011 - 12.2012
Advisor
GameStop
01.2011 - 12.2011
CEO
Cryptic Studios
06.2008 - 03.2011
CFO and SVP of Business Development and Operations
Sony Online Entertainment
01.2001 - 06.2008
VP of Finance
Telemundo
01.1999 - 01.2001
Director of Business Development
Sony Pictures Entertainment
08.1996 - 01.1999
Staff, Senior Auditor
Arthur Andersen
01.1992 - 04.1994
Questions about John Needham
Who is John Needham?
John Needham is President, Publishing & Esports at Riot Games. The profile lists 17 positions since 1992.
Where does John Needham work?
John Needham is President, Publishing & Esports at Riot Games and joined the company in 2017.
Which other companies has John Needham worked for?
Previously: Consultant at Linden Lab (2016–2017), Partner – GM US Studios / Studio Head – Lionhead, Head of European Publishing at Microsoft (2013–2016), Board Member at PlayMesh, Inc. (2012–2014), CEO at Gazillion Entertainment (2011–2012) and 6 other companies.
Which industries does John Needham work in?
John Needham works in Esports and Gaming.
Also at Riot Games
Similar profiles
People in the same role, market or industry as John Needham, and those who worked at the same companies.
