Esports entertainment company ESL has appointed Thomas Schmidt as its new chief commercial officer. Schmidt’s experience from the media rights business should help ESL with its ongoing global expansion.

Commercial development in esports

Schmidt joining ESL as CCO is not the first time the two parties have crossed paths. Back in November, Schmidt joined the ESL Board of Directors as a Non-Executive Board Member. The cooperation saw Schmidt support ESL with advice on creating and delivering best-in-class coverage and sponsorship solutions.

Before joining ESL, Schmidt was responsible for the global media rights business of the UEFA Champions League and the UEFA Europa League. He’s also been involved with ESL’s parent company MTG as a media partner.

“Over the past few years, esports enjoyed an explosive growth in popularity all around the world; however, the commercial development of esports is still in its infancy and has just started to explore its potential,” Thomas Schmidt said in a statement.

With the esports industry continuously growing revenues, popularity, and its audience, companies like ESL to seek new opportunities for business expansion. Schmidt’s know-how from the UEFA should certainly help.

“Thomas’ experience in expanding the distribution and marketing of the UEFA Champions League will together with the ESL team help this young esports industry reach its true potential,” MTG CEO Jørgen Madsen Lindemann said. “He is a great addition to the ESL team and will be key to driving continued growth for MTG’s world-leading esports business.”

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ESL is a catalyst for esports development

ESL’s reach in the esports industry has expanded tremendously over the last couple of years. Not only is the company helping develop local scenes around the world, but they also serve to grow esports writ large. Attracting new endemic and non-endemic brands, working with governments, and bringing esports content to mainstream media are only a couple of ESL’s initiatives of late.

Additionally, launching new iterations of its popular ESL One events in different parts of the world, the company is consistently bringing fans together. Having covered all continents with its events, ESL is truly a global player.

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