The Global Esports Federation appoints first Chief Executive Officer

Anticipating an even-greater surge in its growth and eyeing the acceleration of esports as a key driver of the economy worldwide, the Global Esports Federation announces the appointment of Paul J. Foster as Chief Executive Officer.

Foster will assume the role as GEF’s first CEO. Since last April, he has served as Chief Operating Officer. He has been instrumental in overseeing the Singapore-based organization’s advance since worldwide launch in December 2019 – the GEF now counting more than 80 Member Federations and well over 100 partnerships.

Such growth, amid a global pandemic, is testament both to Foster’s capability and capacity and to the demand the GEF has confronted, Chris Chan, President of the Global Esports Federation said. He added that the GEF intends in the coming months to launch initiatives to power up recruitment and enhance diversity, equality, and inclusion with a mandate to increase size and scale.

"With esports becoming increasingly relevant both to the broader economy and to the development of many countries, the GEF is poised for tremendous growth," Chan said. "The GEF Board and I trust in Paul’s vision and leadership."

Foster said, "The GEF offers a global, inclusive, and connected platform. When we began this journey, we had a framework for potential, a bunch of ideas. We simply said, everyone is welcome, a notion of radical inclusivity. We engaged constantly, guided only by a set of values. From that naturally came a spirit of boundless innovation. That drives our work."

In 2021, the GEF intends both to stage the first of its global events portfolio, the Global Esports Games, and intensify regional action through its #worldconnected initiatives – integrating the rise of active esports along with virtual and digital forms of sport.

The GEF Board has affirmed a commitment to lifelong learning that creates opportunities via internships and management positions across all verticals. Partnerships are in progress with major universities. Plans are underway for GEF centers in the Americas, Asia, Europe, and the MENA region.

As the GEF evolves, it remains a committed partner in driving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) – in pursuit of its deep social responsibility to connect and convene, and in alignment with the UN Secretary-General’s call to a "Decade of Action."

Foster said he looks forward to unlocking the many opportunities: "I’m grateful for the trust of all of our members and our Board, the entire esports community. We are all – all of us, together – just getting started. We call it #worldconnected."

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