It has been revealed today that the Board of Directors at the World Esports Association (WESA) has unanimously agreed that Ken Hershman will be its Executive Chairman and Commissioner with immediate effect.
Hershman, a TV sports veteran who has been in the business for over thirty years with roles at HBO Sports and Showtime, takes over from Pietro Fringuelli. Fringuelli has occupied the role in an interim position since the founding of the WESA back in May of this year.
Hershman has also become the CEO of the WESA Agency which is the media arm of the organisation. The company’s official HQ is in Switzerland but it also has a base in New York City.
Ralf Reichert, WESA Board Director and Co-Founder and Managing Director at ESL said: “Now is the perfect time for WESA to introduce a dynamic and seasoned Commissioner and we’re confident Ken is the right leader to take our organization and sport to new heights.
“Ken is a true visionary whose expertise in strategy, creative and execution is precisely what WESA needs to move at digital speed to fulfill our vision to build a world-class esports association.”
Hershman had this to say for himself: “Esports isn’t just the future – it’s the present. I’m excited about the challenge and confident my experience can help benefit everyone involved in WESA, including players, teams and leagues, as we work to build bridges and balance collective benefits.”
The WESA is a joint effort between eight professional teams and the ESL. Its aim is to bring together all stakeholders in order to create a predictable and reliable schedule for fans, as well as professionalising esports across the board by regulating player contracts and introducing player representation and standardized regulations across all tournament organisers.
