Zeynep Dechelotte appointed IOC Esports Associate Director

Zeynep Gencaga Dechelotte, formerly Ubisoft’s Senior Esports Director, has joined the International Olympic Committee (IOC) as its Esports Associate Director.

Dechelotte, who officially took the role in November 2024, will lead the development of esports for the IOC, following the strategy set by the Olympic Agenda 2020+5. This includes the need for greater solidarity within and among societies and the growth in digitalisation.

Dechelotte has developed a long-standing career across the gaming, esports and football industries. Before her tenure in the esports and gaming sector, she previously worked as a Special Projects Officer for football club Galatasaray in 2010.

In the past four years, Dechelotte worked at Riot Games as its Business Development Manager before becoming a Senior Esports Director for Ubisoft in 2022. Now, she will oversee the review and planning of the Olympic Esports Games, which is set to take place next year in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, with internal and external partners.

Gencaga Dechelotte has been a member of the IOC Esports Commission since its creation last year, alongside G2 Esports CEO Alban Dechelotte, Konami’s Manager of Global Business Development Shinji Namekawa, TikTok’s Head of Gaming and Esports Harish Sarma and esports and sports psychologist Mia Stellberg.

The inaugural Olympic Esports Games have been confirmed to take place in Saudi Arabia for the next 12 years, following a partnership with NOC of Saudi Arabia. Unlike the traditional Olympics, however, the IOC mentioned that Esports Games will have a different approach with regard to its financing and organisation.

IOC Director for Digital Engagement and Marketing Leandro Larrosa commented on the appointment: “I am delighted to welcome Zeynep Gencaga Dechelotte to lead the IOC Esports Unit.

“She will champion all esports-related initiatives for the Olympic Movement in this new and exciting moment, with the upcoming Olympic Esports Games. Her broad experience in sport, gaming and esports will be a great asset for the organisation and the Olympic Movement.”