Naz Aletaha, Riot Games’ Global Head of League of Legends Esports, has announced her departure from the company after more than 12 years.
Aletaha, who revealed the decision on social media, has been on a sabbatical from Riot Games since February 2024. Her departure from the company will not be imminent, with Aletaha noting that she’ll stay on for “the next few months to ensure a smooth transition.”
Chris Greeley, Riot Games’ Global Head of Strategy for League of Legends Esports, led the division during Aletaha’s sabbatical. According to the announcement, he will continue leading the team for the foreseeable future.
An excerpt from Aletaha’s post reads: “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.
“Being part of this community — this movement to build competitive gaming into professional sport — has been the honour of a lifetime.”
After leaving Activision in 2012, Aletaha started her tenure at Riot Games as its Senior Manager of B2B Payments. After two years she moved into the company’s esports division as its Head of Global Esports Partnerships and Business Development, a role she held for over seven years.
In 2021, she was promoted to Global Head of League of Legends Esports. Aletaha’s role consists of creating and executing League of Legends esports’ vision, strategy and roadmap. Aletaha was inducted into Esports Insider’s Hall of Fame Class of 2020.
The League of Legends esports ecosystem is undergoing a major shake-up that has taken place over the last couple of years. This included the LEC expanding to include MENA and introducing a three-split structure from 2023. Moreover, in 2025 the LCS will merge with the CBLOL to create a pan-Americas League.
