LOS ANGELES, Calif., USA (Thursday, April 11, 2024) - The World Surf League (WSL) announces the appointment of Ryan Crosby as its new Chief Executive Officer effective May 13, 2024. A proven leader with a career spanning more than two decades in marketing and technology, Crosby brings a wealth of experience and a deep-rooted passion for fostering brand love to professional surfing.
Crosby comes to the WSL from Riot Games where he served as the President of Publishing. There, he led the global product management, marketing and community teams that engaged hundreds of millions of gamers all over the world. His tenure at Riot Games, a leading force in the gaming industry, is marked by authentic leadership and strategic focus.
Prior to his role at Riot Games, Crosby held prominent positions managing and building brands such as Call of Duty, Hulu, Xbox, and Netflix, demonstrating his ability to drive creativity and fan engagement in the digital landscape.
"I am deeply honored to join the World Surf League family," said Ryan Crosby. "What I love about surfing is that it's an incredible competitive sport, but it's also much more than that. It's a way of life, a passion, and a deeply committed global community. I am excited to leverage my experience to elevate the WSL brand, deepen our connection with fans, and continue building something that surfers can be proud of."
Crosby's appointment follows an extensive search process aimed at identifying a leader who shares the WSL's dedication to the sport of surfing. His enthusiasm for the ocean and commitment to fostering a sense of community aligns with the WSL's core values.
"We are thrilled to welcome Ryan Crosby as the new CEO of the World Surf League," said Dirk Ziff, WSL Principal Investor and Board Member. "Ryan's exceptional track record across some of the most important media platforms, his authentic, approachable manner, and his genuine passion for surfing make him a great fit to lead the WSL into its next chapter of growth and innovation."
In addition to his professional endeavors, Crosby is an avid supporter of environmental conservation efforts, notably collaborating with organizations like the Surfrider Foundation to protect our oceans and coastlines. His personal connection to surfing underscores his dedication to preserving the natural environments that serve as the backdrop for the sport's most iconic moments.
As he embarks on this new journey with the WSL, Crosby remains committed to championing the world's best surfers, further developing the sport of competitive surfing, and elevating the elite athletes across the WSL's tours and competitions.