John Needham is President of Publishing & Esports at Riot Games, where he leads the global strategy and execution across publishing, esports, music, consumer products, and international operations. In this role, he is responsible for connecting Riot’s games, players, and communities through cohesive, culturally resonant experiences that extend well beyond gameplay.
John oversees the evolution of Riot’s publishing organization to deliver best in class player experiences around the world, while also guiding the continued growth and sustainability of Riot’s global esports ecosystem.
Under his leadership, Riot’s esports portfolio has scaled into the most influential in the world. Whether it’s League Esports setting the global standard of what esports can be through events like Worlds, or VALORANT Champions Tour uplifting players from every corner of the world, or redefining what an esports tournament looks like with the massive TFT Open, John has been responsible for guiding Riot’s esports into the next era.
John joined Riot in 2017 as Managing Director of Europe and North America, where he led the transformation of the League of Legends European Championship (LEC), introducing a long-term partnership model and securing landmark partnerships with brands such as Mastercard, Kia, Logitech, Red Bull, and Foot Locker.
Prior to Riot, John held senior leadership roles across games and entertainment at companies including Microsoft, Sony Pictures Entertainment, Telemundo, Cryptic Studios, Gazillion Entertainment, and Sony Online Entertainment.
