Riot Games, the prominent video game developer, has promoted David Mulhall to the position of global head of esports partnerships and business development.

Mulhall will, in this new position, lead a worldwide team with the aim of expanding the global Riot Games partner portfolio.

The developer is responsible for producing popular esports franchises such as League of Legends and Valiant.

Mulhall first joined Riot Games in April 2020, having previously spent three years as director of corporate partnerships at the Sacramento Kings NBA basketball franchise.

Before this promotion, he was in charge of partnerships and business development for Valorant and the Teamfight Tactics title.

He has also held roles at Australian sporting properties such as the National Rugby League and the Supercars Championship motor racing series.

John Needham, Riot Games’ president of esports, said: “We’re more focused than ever on creating opportunities for partners that deliver great value and improve the player experience watching esports. David’s deep understanding and passion for our various esports communities is critical to successfully integrating partners into our broadcasts and events.”

In January, Riot Games laid off 530 employees, amounting to 11% of its total workforce.

That month also saw the developer partner with the HyperX and Omen brands owned by Hewlett Packard, for the League Championship Series of League of Legends.