David Higdon Email & Phone Number

Bend, Or, Us

Los Angeles, Ca, Us

Riot Games is the premier global esport organization, having built League of Legends Esports (LoL Esports) into the world's #1 esport, as demonstrated again in 2024 when viewership for the World Championship Final in London reached a global viewership peak of 50 million and a 33 million AMA (Average Minute Audience). In 2020, we launched the wildly successful VALORANT Champions Tour (VCT) as our second major property. As an esports pioneer, we professionalized competitive gaming and continue to innovate around our fandom, viewing, business, and entertainment experiences.• Member: Riot, Esports, and Communications Senior Leadership Teams (SLTs)• Member: Riot Business Development Deal Council • Built an industry-leading global, player-first, multifunctional, diverse team managing global events, partnership PR (Mastercard, Louis Vuitton, Mercedes-Benz, etc.) + regional and country-based teammates supporting member leagues, teams, and players • Created first-ever Riot esports thought leadership program garnering honors including: Fortune "40 Under 40," Sports Business Journal (SBJ) “40 Under 40,” SBJ “Game Changer,” Adweek's "Young Influentials"

Daytona Beach, Florida, Us

Piloted integrated marketing communications, crafted brand content strategy, elevated events, and accelerated business through industry-wide collaboration. Also served as strategist for ISC (International Speedway Corporation) and IMSA (International Motor Sports Association)• Jettisoned traditional PR department structure as change agent, introducing integrated marketing communications model driven by insights to traditional organization• Collaboratively envisioned and created NASCAR Fan & Media Engagement Center, a high-tech hub using data to track, research, and improve consumer and media experience• Executed reputation management program for Lesa Kennedy, leading to Forbes’ Most Powerful Woman in Sports (2015), Adweek’s Most Powerful Women in Sports (2016, 2017)• PR Week 2015 In-House PR Team of the Year, Honorable Mention in 2014

Daytona Beach, Fl, Us

Transitioned sport to global business model. Directed global communications and creative services, served as primary spokesperson, enhanced player relations, and built broadcast, digital, and social media content strategy. • Re-positioned organization following diversity/inclusion crisis involving Korean players by elevating global events, mixing nationalities in Pro-Ams, promoting Asian athletes. • Led on-boarding and thought leadership program for Commissioner Mike Whan. • Spearheaded LPGA efforts to secure golf as future Olympic sport (realized in 2016) and make France's The Evian Championship a "Fifth Major."

Recruited to ignite motorsports series and negotiated reunification of U.S. open-wheel racing as key member of Executive Leadership team. The 2007 series featured events in U.S., Canada, Belgium, The Netherlands, Australia, and Mexico dominated by Will Power, Sebastien Bourdais, Graham Rahal, and Simon Pagenaud, all renowned IndyCar Series/Indy 500 drivers.

Ponte Vedra Beach, Us

Built and led global communications team based in Florida, Monte-Carlo, London, and Sydney. Collaborated with CEO and Player/Tournament Board on governance issues, creation of premier Masters Series events, anti-doping and integrity, crisis communications as member of the Executive Committee • Developed Roger Federer brand strategy focused on charity, fashion, sports and entertainment presence and exposure beyond tennis • Restructured department, crafted strategic plan while based in Europe (2002), enabled multiple renewal of premier sponsor Mercedes-Benz

I started my career as a reporter (Indianapolis Star Pulliam Fellow, City News Bureau of Chicago), magazine editor (The Runner, American Health, Tennis, Portland Trail Blazers’ Rip City, Northwest Airlines World Traveler, Pacific Journey/Japan), and freelance sports writer covering the NBA, NFL, NHL, MLB, tennis for The New York Times, InStyle, ESPN.com, ESPN The Magazine, Self, Men's Journal, Women's Sports & Fitness, Sports Illustrated for Kids, and more. The written word remains to this day my true passion and ultimately my core skill as a communications executive. Throughout my career, I’ve served as a business consultant for clients such as UNICEF, AYS World Sports Marketing & Events, USA Track & Field, and Heartland Park Topeka. I love working on the Higdon family running business (see more details under Volunteer Experience) and serving as a sport ambassador (some examples include my Opening Keynote, "The Power of Sports," 2018 Oregon Sports Summit; Panelist, President Michael H. Schill's Freedom of Expression Series, University of Oregon; Event Leader, esports 101 immersive education workshop in Atlanta, Georgia hosted July 2018 by the University of Oregon Warsaw Sports Marketing Center). Prior to my time at Riot, I wrote a series of "One-of-a-Kind" LinkedIn profiles that showcased successful executives and students. Whenever possible, I contribute to D&I initiatives and higher education including through my on-going Board role at the University of Oregon (see Volunteer Experience) and service as an instructor.

B.A., Political Science And Government, English

Art History

Education record