Hannigan steps down as CEO of Allied Esports

Jud Hannigan announces his resignation as Chief Executive Officer of Allied Esports Entertainment, marking a significant transition in the company’s leadership.

Hannigan disclosed his departure in a LinkedIn post on October 27, following a remarkable tenure that began in February 2017. His leadership has been characterized by strategic growth and innovation, significantly shaping the esports landscape.

Before joining Allied Esports, Hannigan held key roles in the gaming and entertainment sectors, including Vice President of Overseas Operations at Lianzhong Games and Asia Sales Director for Target Fiber. His career trajectory also includes serving as a Director at WPT China and Managing Partnerships at the NYC Marketing Development Corporation, further enhancing his expertise in international operations and strategic development.

In his farewell message, Hannigan reflected, “Over the past seven years, I’ve had the privilege of building this business from its inception in China to a global presence across three continents. We’ve produced some of the most viewed moments on Twitch, celebrated our public listing on Nasdaq, and ventured into emerging technologies with the creation of the Epicbeast NFT community.”

He also noted, “It’s surreal to witness the evolution of an idea that began as a handful of PowerPoint slides in my Beijing bedroom to a celebratory bell-ringing ceremony at Nasdaq in Times Square.” This transformation underscores the immersive impact of esports and its rapid growth in mainstream entertainment.

During his CEO tenure at Allied Esports, Hannigan was concurrently the Managing Director of Big Turn International since January 2007, a role he continues to fulfill. His accomplishments at both organizations reflect a commitment to developing dynamic physical assets within the esports ecosystem, including the launch of the first esports mobile truck and establishing a flagship venue on the Las Vegas Strip.

“The relationships I’ve built with gaming communities, partners, and our dedicated players have been sources of tremendous pride and motivation,” he elaborated. “Navigating through both challenging and rewarding experiences has been a blessing, and it has been an honor to lead this talented team, who I am confident will carry our legacy forward.”

As the gaming industry continues to evolve, Hannigan’s insights and leadership experiences will undoubtedly contribute to future innovations in esports. His departure leaves a noteworthy legacy, and his influence will be felt as Allied Esports ventures into its next chapter.