Ian Atkinson is a seasoned professional with over 20 years of experience at the intersection of emerging technologies, management consulting, investment banking, and technology with start-up, growth, and public companies. He has a unique background that enables him to navigate the business world of operating, supporting and monetizing emerging video game businesses with ease. In the past, Ian has held several high-level positions across several organizations, including SVP, Global Publisher Relations at ESL Gaming, Entrepreneur In Residence/Mentor at UCLA Anderson School of Management, VP, Operations & Business Development, Esports at Capcom, and VP, Global Publisher Business Development at AdColony.

His education background is noteworthy, having studied for his Master of Business Administration - MBA at UCLA Anderson School of Management and his Bachelor of Arts - BA in Business Economics at the University of California, Santa Barbara. Ian has also previously held several Director-level and VP level positions across several organizations such as THQ, Playnomics, and Sleepy Giant, among others. He has been instrumental in supporting and guiding various organizations' growth in business operations, backend services, and business development.

In his current role as SVP, Global Publisher Relations at ESL Gaming, Ian is overseeing various publishing operations, backend services, and business development for the company. Ian's experience and expertise in business development and Esports can be attributed to his extensive background in investment banking, management consulting, and technology.