WASHINGTON — October 3, 2018 — The Entertainment Software Association (ESA) today announced that Michael D. Gallagher will step down from his role as President and CEO, marking an eleven-year legacy that saw ESA grow into a high impact, influential voice and advocate for the $36 billion U.S. video game industry.
“Mike has been an exceptional leader and important voice for the video game industry for more than a decade,” said Robert Altman, Chairman and CEO of ZeniMax Media Inc. and Chairman of ESA’s Board of Directors. “Under Mike’s leadership, ESA has developed a strong reputation with policy makers for vigorously defending the industry during watershed moments, including the industry’s victory on First Amendment principles before the U.S. Supreme Court. Mike was also instrumental in revitalizing E3 into the most prominent and important industry show produced today. We want to thank Mike for his many contributions and wish him well as he pursues new opportunities.”
The ESA Board will begin a search to fill the role following Mr. Gallagher’s departure later this month. Stanley Pierre-Louis, ESA’s Senior Vice President and General Counsel, will serve as ESA’s interim President and CEO while the search for a permanent candidate proceeds.
“Serving the video game industry and the ESA Board has been a tremendous honor. ESA is in a strong position to continue the work ahead. It has an excellent team, ample resources, state-of-the-art DC headquarters, and members who are fueling growth at fantastic levels. Together, we have delivered an unbroken string of victories in the states, on Capitol Hill, and before the U.S. Supreme Court, all of which bolster the industry’s ability to create and innovate. Extending and protecting that opportunity has been extraordinarily fulfilling,” Gallagher said.
“Mike’s legacy will not only be reflected in his accomplishments over the past eleven years, but also in the strong team that he leaves behind to continue the important work to be done for the industry,” Altman added.
About ESA
ESA offers a wide range of services to interactive entertainment software companies, including conducting business and consumer research; providing legal and policy analysis and advocacy on First Amendment, intellectual property, and technology/e-commerce issues; managing a global content protection program; owning and operating E3; and representing video game industry interests in federal and state government relations. For more information, visit ESA’s website or follow ESA on Twitter @theESA or @ESAGovAffairs.
