Leading esports organization Gen.G has tapped MLB executive vice president Chris Park to serve as its new chief executive officer.
Park will leave his post at MLB, where he’s served since 2015, most recently as EVP of products and marketing, managing digital product development, marketing, and international business development. While at the league, Park kept an eye on how esports were infiltrating more traditional sports leagues.
In his new role, Park will craft and lead the day-to-day execution of Gen.G’s strategy alongside Gen.G co-founder Kevin Chou. As part of the c-suite mixup, Chou will assume the role as executive chairman.
“I can’t express how thrilled I am about this new journey into the esports world with Gen.G,” said Park, in a statement. “Having spent years with a traditional sports league, it was evident that competitive gaming was booming—well now it’s here and here to stay. I look forward to continuing to build an esports powerhouse in Gen.G, especially here in the US and specifically LA.”
Park will relocate from New York City to Gen.G’s U.S. headquarters in Los Angeles, and spend additional time in Seoul, Korea at the team’s Asian headquarters as part of his onboarding.
SportTechie Takeaway
Gen.G has been busy over the past year striking partnerships, launching teams, claiming championships, and bringing on talent from the traditional sports world. Recently, it renewed a partnership with NETGEAR’s Nighthawk Pro Gaming, brought on NBA star Chris Bosh as an athlete advisor, and formed an all-female Fortnite team. As far as competition goes, Gen.G’s PUBG and Heroes of the Storm teams both claimed championships in 2018.