April 21, 2025 — Riot Games, the developer behind global gaming franchises like League of Legends and VALORANT, has officially announced that Hoby Darling will serve as the company’s new president.
Darling brings a rich leadership background with past roles at Logitech, Nike, and Skullcandy, and is known for merging creative culture with cutting-edge tech and community-centered innovation. Riot believes Darling will help the company become “the best place to make games.”
“There’s something special about a place that takes risks,” Darling stated in the announcement. “I knew I had to be part of that energy.”
This announcement marks a significant shift for Riot, which has grown from a single-game studio to a full-fledged entertainment powerhouse. Alongside its iconic games, the company has expanded into new titles like Teamfight Tactics, Legends of Runeterra, and Ruined King, as well as the hit Netflix series Arcane.
A Turning Point for Riot Games
Riot CEO Dylan Jadeja praised Darling’s track record, highlighting his ability to elevate teams and drive innovation across gaming and sports communities. “He knows how to bring out the best in teams,” Jadeja said, emphasizing Darling’s role in helping Riot “raise the bar.”
The leadership change comes at a time when Riot is both thriving and facing scrutiny. Recent controversies, particularly over monetization changes in League of Legends — such as the removal of Hextech Chests, orbs, and capsules — drew backlash from the player base. The company cited sustainability challenges and unmet revenue expectations despite Arcane‘s critical success and $250 million investment.
Nevertheless, Riot has reaffirmed its commitment to players, with Darling expected to energize the teams and steer the company toward a more creatively rich and player-first future.
As Riot continues to develop new projects, including yet-unannounced games, all eyes are on how Darling’s leadership will shape the next chapter of the studio’s legacy.