The Singapore-based Global Esports Federation (GEF) has announced several key leadership appointments and eight new commissions.

According to an official release, after three months of “worldwide consultative sessions and research”, veteran Olympic executive Paul J. Foster has been named chief operating officer.

With more than fifteen years’ experience in the Olympic movement, Foster has held several positions including head of protocol, events and hospitality for the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in Switzerland.

Commenting on his new role at the GEF, Foster said:

“The GEF motto, #worldconnected, says it all. Through the power of connectivity, esports offers a platform of inclusive participation, learning, sharing, and enjoyment, regardless of physical distance. I am excited to continue contributing to Global Esports Federation in fulfilling its mission to convene the esports ecosystem and unleash the unlimited possibilities of sports in this Digital Age.”

Japan esports Union (JeSU) director and chairman of the board of SEGA Group Co., Ltd, Hideki Okamura, has also been appointed to the GEF board.

Chris Chan, GEF President, also announced eight commissions and their heads, as follows:

• Athletes and Players – Chair, Charmaine Crooks; Vice Chair, Koen Schobbers.
• Brand, Marketing, Commercial and Communications – Chair, Lorenzo Giorgetti (chief commercial officer for AC Milan).
• Digital, Technology, Innovation – Chair, Chris Overholt (CEO of Overactive Media, former CEO of the Canadian Olympic Committee).
• Education, Culture, Wellness – Chair, Chester King (CEO of the British Esports Association); Vice Chair, Tyrone Seward.
• Finance, Legal, Administration – Chair, Adrian F. Lismore.
• Governance and Ethics Chair, T A Ganda Sithole (former IOC executive board member).
• Membership – Chairs Ramil Aliyev (Azerbaijan Cybersport Federation) and Mario Cilenti (Panam Sports).
• Technical and Development – Chairs Chong Geng Ng (president of the Singapore Esports Association) and Mars Hou.

The Global Esports Federation was formed in December 2019, and is backed by Chinese game publisher Tencent. Its stated aim is to be a single “voice and authority” for global esports, and is planning to hold a major global tournament towards the end of this year.

AYO.NEWS says:

Clearly the GEF has the ability to attract heavyweight business and sporting talent, and is obviously extremely well-connected and financed. But – and this is a big ‘but’ – its highly corporate style, not to mention obvious close associations to the Olympic movement and IOC, will likely make many fans and organisations deeply suspicious of it.

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