The World’s Largest Esports Company Hires COO and VP of Production to Strengthen Executive Team

(Burbank, California) June 2, 2016 – ESL, the world’s largest esports company, has made two key executive hires in order to continue the company’s explosive growth and ramp up production in ESL’s recently expanded studios.

Since opening in April 2014, ESL America has gone from a team of six to over 100, with a focus on strengthening the company’s core in the midst of rapid growth. Notable hires include Yvette Martinez-Rea, ESL’s Chief Operating Officer. Prior to joining ESL, Yvette served as Chief Operating Officer of Violet Grey, a venture-backed luxury beauty content and commerce company based in Los Angeles, where she oversaw the growth of the company from fewer than 10 to over 50 employees, the opening of the company’s first retail boutique and the development of the company’s fulfillment and e-commerce systems. Previously, she held roles at Yahoo including Vice President in Yahoo’s Global Products organization, Senior Director of Global Program Management, and Chief of Staff and Head of Business Management for the EVP of the North American region.

“My greatest satisfaction comes in the building and developing of high performing cross-functional teams, and specifically, the process of investing in people to build on their strengths and creating conditions in which they are able to contribute often beyond what they themselves initially believe they can do,” said Yvette Martinez-Rea. “ESL America is full of incredible talent, some still nascent and some fully formed, and I feel privileged to learn from them and also get to help fuel and develop that talent.”

Chad Perry, an Emmy-winning sports television producer, also recently joined ESL as VP of Production. Chad previously produced programming for the NFL, NBA, multiple Olympic Games and a variety of action sports broadcasts before joining the ESL family. “According to NewZoo, the popularity of esports is on par with traditional sports. By 2017, the number of esports fans will come close to that of NFL. To be a part of such a rapidly growing industry and to join ESL, one of the world’s most well-known and respected esports companies, was an easy decision,” remarked Perry. 

“We could not be more thrilled to welcome both Yvette and Chad to the ESL team,” said Craig Levine, ESL North America CEO. “The wealth of experience and knowledge both bring to the table will tremendously impact ESL’s growth in the year to come.”