Zeynep Gencaga Dechelotte Named Deputy Director of IOC Esports

Key insights

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Strategic Hire

Zeynep Gencaga Dechelotte was appointed Deputy Director of IOC Esports in November 2024.

It follows the establishment of the Olympic Esports Games.

Experience Matters

Dechelotte brings over two decades of industry experience to her new role.

Her background includes senior positions at Ubisoft and Riot Games Europe. She focused on regional operations and business development for major game titles.

Extensive Background. Dechelotte previously served as senior esports director and head of regions at Ubisoft, and held business development roles at Riot Games Europe for over two years.

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Summary

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has appointed Zeynep Gencaga Dechelotte as the new deputy director of its esports division. This strategic hire, which became effective in November 2024, signals the organization’s ongoing commitment to integrating competitive gaming into its broader event portfolio, specifically following the establishment of the Olympic Esports Games.

Dechelotte brings over two decades of industry experience to the role, having previously served as a senior esports director at Ubisoft, where she focused on regional operations for titles such as Rainbow Six Siege. Her background also includes a tenure at Riot Games Europe, where she managed business development for major properties including League of Legends and Valorant. Her appointment is intended to bolster the leadership team responsible for managing the transition from previous initiatives, such as the Olympic Virtual Series and Olympic Esports Week, to the newly formalized Olympic Esports Games.

The scope of this role involves navigating a significant partnership between the IOC and the Saudi Arabian government. As part of a 12-year agreement, the Olympic Esports Games will be hosted in Saudi Arabia, requiring close collaboration with various Saudi-backed entities, including the Saudi Esports Federation, the Esports World Cup Foundation, and the Savvy Games Group. Dechelotte is expected to play a key role in facilitating these complex operational ties as the IOC continues to formalize its presence within the global esports ecosystem.