Los Angeles, November 29, 2023 - Riot Games, the renowned developer and publisher of popular games like League of Legends (League) and VALORANT, has announced the appointment of Marc Merrill, Riot's Co-Founder and former Co-CEO, as the Chief Product Officer (CPO).

In his new role as CPO, Merrill will be responsible for overseeing the ecosystems of all products at Riot Games, including League, VALORANT, Teamfight Tactics, Wild Rift, Legends of Runeterra, and Research and Development (R&D). Reporting to CEO Dylan Jadeja, his primary focus will be on aligning the overall product strategy and ensuring that the gameplay, esports, and entertainment experiences across all titles are optimized for players.

Jadeja expressed his confidence in Merrill's ability to lead Riot into the future, stating, "Marc is incredibly well suited to drive this improved orientation and focus on behalf of players. He helped build this place from the ground up, and he's been hands-on in making our mission a reality for years."

With the expansion of Riot's product lineup over the past five years, including the launch of games in the shooter and strategy genres, expansion into the mobile market, and the success of the Emmy Award-winning animated series Arcane, the establishment of the CPO position is seen as a strategic move to fortify Riot's product strategy for the future.

Merrill's extensive experience and player-first philosophy make him uniquely qualified to guide Riot's audience orientation and ensure the continued evolution of authentic narratives and player-focused gameplay across all titles and products. His goal is to engage players in novel and rewarding ways, creating truly great gaming experiences amidst a sea of entertainment options.

Before assuming the role of CPO, Merrill served as the President of the Games Pillar at Riot, where he played a key role in shaping the overall strategy behind Riot's games portfolio. Having co-founded Riot in 2006, Merrill has held critical leadership positions, including Riot's first President, first Executive Producer of League of Legends, and subsequently Co-CEO. He was instrumental in establishing Riot's esports and entertainment divisions and currently serves as Co-Chairman of Riot's Board, alongside fellow co-founder Brandon Beck.

Marc Merrill, a native of Los Angeles, has not only contributed to the foundation of Riot and the success of League of Legends but has also been involved in various philanthropic endeavors. He served as an executive producer on Arcane, sits on the boards of several non-profits, including being the Co-Chair of Unite America. Additionally, he worked with SoLa Impact to fund the SoLa Technology and Entrepreneurship Center, aimed at empowering the next generation of game developers, esports athletes, technology professionals, and entrepreneurs from South LA.

Riot Games believes that Merrill's appointment as Chief Product Officer will further enhance their commitment to delivering exceptional experiences for players. With his visionary leadership, Riot aims to transcend traditional gaming and unite games, esports, and entertainment into an immersive experience that resonates with players worldwide.

About Riot Games:
Riot Games, based in Los Angeles, is a globally recognized developer and publisher known for their popular games, such as League of Legends (League) and VALORANT. Founded in 2006 by Marc Merrill and Brandon Beck, Riot Games has become a leader in the gaming industry, continually striving to provide innovative and immersive gaming experiences to players around the globe.