Guild Esports, a UK-based esports organisation co-owned by David Beckham, has named industry veteran Grant Rousseau as its Director of Esports.
Rousseau most recently served as Interim Head of Performance, then Director of Operations for Excel Esports. In his new role, Rosseau will look to “bring a winning mentality, and ultimately some trophies, to the company”, according to a post he made on LinkedIn.
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Prior to his time at Excel, Rousseau served as Director of Team Operations for OverActive Media Group and Director of Operations at Splyce.
Regarding the announcement, Rousseau tweeted: “The opportunity to lead from scratch the performance division of a growing esports org, is one I have always aspired towards. Incredibly grateful to be standing at this point and cannot wait to crack on.
“For the first time, I see a true action plan of how an esports org intends to endemically build up the UK scene. Their academy system is well designed and will bring life to the UK industry. It’s the main reason on why I joined and brings value to the competition of UK Esports.
“That together with the calibre of staff having been hired means that I truly believe this org set to go far, and also bring more non-endemic fans into the space (both UK and more). I for one cannot wait to be a part of it all, and I hope many of you will join me on the journey.”
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This new hire comes during a time of growth for Guild Esports, which launched this past June. The organisation raised £20m ahead of its listing on the London Stock Exchange with a market capitalisation of £41.2m.
Guild Esports has established itself as a lifestyle brand from day one. Soon after launch, Guild Esports entrusted its commercial partnerships strategy to media agency MediaCom Sport & Entertainment. Earlier this month, the organisation also launched its first apparel brand collaboration with streetwear designer Fergus Percell.
Esports Insider says: It’s always interesting to watch an esports organisation launch these days. While older teams often struggle to adapt to corporate ownership, rebrands, and expansion into the pop culture realm, organisations like Guild Esports have the advantage of learning from the past. Guild knows what it wants to be, and has the backing of an athletic celebrity, which will help it focus on growth instead of adaptation.
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