Global Head of LoL Esports Naz Aletaha leaves Riot Games

Ever since the very first World Championship, held a little more than 13 years ago, League of Legends as an esport has been a remarkable success.

Having come a long way through the years, LoL Esports now lies as one of the pillars that holds what the world of esports is today. And that is in no small part thanks to Naz Aletaha's leadership over the course of her decade-long tenure in LoL Esports at Riot Games.

The time has come to say goodbye, however, as Aletaha has announced her departure from Riot Games on X (Twitter).

The League of Legends 2022 World Championship served as a testament to Aletaha's tireless work at the head of LoL Esports. (Credit: Colin Young-Wolff/Riot Games)

A seasoned head departs

Aletaha came into Riot Games over 13 years ago. Coming off 4 years working at Activision, she started her career at Riot as a Senior Manager in Business Development, before promptly starting her incredible journey in LoL Esports as the Head of Global Esports Partnerships and Business Development.

Her caliber not going unnoticed, the decision to make Aletaha Global Head of League of Legends Esports came in October of 2021.

"There’s a palpable, contagious sort of passion that Rioters share. It’s why I joined Riot in the first place back in 2012. More than a decade and lots of growth later, that passion still shines through every team, function, and office. It’s been an honor to work alongside such a talented group of individuals, and my thanks goes out to each and every one of them for the impact they’ve had on me and what we do every day."

Aletaha's, and LoL Esports' as a whole, latest success came during the League of Legends 2023 World Championship, which saw a record-high number of 6,402,760 peak viewers.

"And to the community. I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: I think LoL Esports has the best fans in the world. Your passion runs so deep, and your love for the game, the teams, and the players has made LoL Esports into what it is today. Seeing the ways you show up for this sport across every corner of the world has, hands down, been the best part of my esports experience. You make it so worth. Thank you for caring as much as you do."

Following a long, and surely consuming, year 2023 for LoL Esports, Aletaha opted to take a break as head of the team in February of 2024.

Saying goodbye

Following her sabbatical, Aletaha took to X (Twitter) to announce her departure as she thanked all those who had worked with her, as well as those for whom she had worked.

"After time away on sabbatical, I’ve decided I’m ready to start a new chapter in my career. It’s been an incredible 12.5-year run here at Riot Games, and I couldn't be prouder of what we’ve accomplished as a team. This decision wasn’t easy, but it’s the right time for me to explore new horizons. I’ll be taking the next few months to transition the team before leaving the company by the fall."

Aletaha also took the time to assure everyone that she would be staying on for the next few months, so as not to stunt any progress being made by the team over at LoL Esports.

You can find Naz Aletaha's entire statement here.

What's next for LoL Esports?

Taking over as Global Head of LoL Esports will be another seasoned head in Riot Games' own Chris Greeley.

Having overseen all of LoL Esports in North America and Oceania between the years 2021 and 2022, Greeley currently finds himself as Global Head of Strategy at LoL Esports.

Having a wide understanding of how the company operates, Greeley has been with Riot Games since January of 2017.

While the future for LoL Esports may look uncertain, it is not without its leader.

For the latest League of Legends news, follow Strafe Esports. Also follow the Strafe YouTube channel for exclusive interviews with players and coaches.

Image source: Riot Games

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